Terrorists kill, injure many in Islamic procession attack in Katsina

By Tayo ABIOLA

Terrorists attacked Maulud procession by Muslim faithful at Kusa village, in Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State on Sunday night killing scores of people.

The terrorists were said to have surrounded the venue of the Maulud procession and began firing gunshots into the crowd.

They also abducted several people, including women and children, and moved them to the dreaded forest in the outskirts of the community area.

The incident which reportedly occurred at 11:00 pm, saw more than 30 people sustaining bullet and non-bullet injuries, while another 21 others were said to have been abducted, including women and children.

There are however discrepancies in the actual number of those killed, with residents saying the figure is as much as 30 persons, while others said the number was higher.

The vice chairman of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Bala Ibrahim who is from the council area, said 14 people were killed, while 17 others sustained bullet wounds.

However, the police command in the state said only two lost their lives while 18 others were injured during the attack.

Governor Dikko Radda on Monday morning, visited the affected community, where he was said to have commiserated with the people over the incident.

It was learnt that the deceased persons have been buried according to Islamic rites, while the injured are receiving treatment at various hospitals within and outside the council area.

The state is among those faced with incessant security challenges brought about by activities of terrorists, kidnappers, and rustlers with hundreds left dead, injured, raped, abducted or their communities plundered.

Confirming the incident, spokesperson for the police command in the state, ASP Abubakar Aliyu, said two people died while receiving treatment, while 18 others sustained injuries.

“Yes, there was an attack in Musawa LGA around 11pm while people were having Maulud procession. Bandits attacked shot and injured 18 people. They were evacuated to the hospital for treatment,” Aliyu said.

“Later on, two among them died. Further investigation is ongoing for possible arrest and to bring the perpetrators of these acts to justice.”