The Katsina State Police Command on Monday, November 6, 2023, stated that 9 people were killed and 16 others injured when bandits assaulted a religious gathering in Kusa town, Musawa Local Government Area of the state.

According to authorities, the bandits entered the gathering shortly after 10 p.m. on Sunday, 5 November 2023, and fired numerous rounds at people in attendance.

Abubakar Aliyu, the commanding officer, stated, “On 5 November 2023, at about 10.30 pm, bandits in their numbers, wielding dangerous weapons such as AK-47 rifles and shooting sporadically, attacked the Maulud procession at Rugar Kusa village, Musawa Local Government Area, Katsina State.”

“Upon receiving the report, operatives were promptly mobilised and sprung into action, successfully repelling the onslaught. As a result of the incident, 7 individuals were killed on the spot, while 18 others were shot and taken to the General Hospital Musawa for immediate medical assistance.”

“However, two people out of the injured were confirmed dead by the doctor while receiving treatment. Investigation is still ongoing. Efforts are on with a view to arresting the perpetrators of the dastardly act. Further development will be communicated in due course.”

Residents said the bandits surrounded the religious gathering and then began shooting irregularly. According to a resident who requested anonymity, “the bandits surrounded the venue of the Maulud celebration and fired gunshots at the participants, injuring many and taking several captives away.”

It was also learned that although some of the patients who incurred injuries were sent to Musawa General Hospital for treatment, others were taken to Katsina’s General Amadi Rimi Orthopaedic Hospital.

Meanwhile, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda paid a visit to the community on Monday. The Governor was believed to be on his way back from Kaduna when he learned of the incident, which prompted him to visit the community and grieve with people.

His Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement. He said, “His Excellency commiserated with the victims and assured them that the government would do all in its power to ensure that peace returns to the entire state.

Also Read: JAMB TO UTME CANDIDATES- PRINT YOUR EXAMINATION SLIP NOW

“He said he was disturbed by what happened and condoled with those who lost their lives and visited some victims. Some of the villagers thanked the governor for the visit. They said it was the first time a governor was commiserating with them and they commended him for setting up community watch corps and assured him that they will be praying for his success in the war against banditry.”