Nine members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps and vigilantes have reportedly been slain by terrorists in the state’s Faskari and Matazu local government areas.

According to reports, two of the frontline local government districts in Katsina State plagued by terrorist activity are Faskari and Matazu.

In their separate attacks on Friday night in Katsina State’s Yankara and Faskari, the thugs ambushed state security personnel, murdering two vigilante officers and four members of the Community Watch Corps who were tasked with keeping the area safe.

On Saturday morning in Katsina, our correspondent received confirmation from an anonymous source that the victims were Muhammad Hassan, Mubarak Shu’aibu Labo, Mubarak Shu’aibu, and an unnamed officer.

Babangida Bature, also referred to as Babangida Doza, and Ibrahim Rishi were named as the vigilantes that were slain.

The insider claimed, “The community is in disarray since yesterday to this morning due to the deceased officers’ dedication to protecting lives and property.”

Also, it was discovered that during the officers’ funeral in Faskari, a local leader named Adamu Yaro paid tribute to the fallen officers, calling their deaths honourable because they had defended the public, and he voiced concern about the government’s lack of action in resolving the ongoing insecurity in the area.

At least three officers were killed and one was seriously injured in separate attacks that same Friday evening on the way from Gwarjo to Yalwa by vigilante members from Matazu Local Government. Jamilu Aliyu, the secretary of the group’s Matazu branch, confirmed the attack to Punch on Saturday in Katsina.

The ongoing incidents highlight Katsina State’s rising level of insecurity, prompting locals to demand that the government increase its efforts to safeguard sensitive areas and stop further recurrence.

Governor Dikko Radda, meantime, sent her sincere condolences to the families of the security personnel killed in the local incident.

According to a statement his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammad, gave to reporters in Katsina on Saturday, the governor commended the bravery and selflessness of the heroes who died doing their jobs.

Parts of the statement were read. Armed bandits ambushed a combined group of Community Watch Corps (CWC) and Vigilante Corps personnel who were supplying security for farmers harvesting their crops close to Unguwar Kafa along the Yankara-Faskari route yesterday, October 4, 2024, at about 1600 hours.

Tragically, two vigilante corps members and four CWC members were killed in the ensuing over-hour-long gunfight.

Governor Radda praised the security forces’ prompt action in engaging the bandits in a gunfight, particularly the police and military units.

The security personnel shown remarkable bravery and synchronisation in thwarting this assault. Their swift response surely prevented many deaths and safeguarded our diligent farmers.

The robbers were successfully forced to flee into the neighbouring woodland by the joint security operation. It is thought that the attackers sustained significant casualties while trying to flee. The governor has promised that there will be constant monitoring of the region and investigations to apprehend those responsible.

“These courageous guys who gave their lives for our state are real heroes. We shall always remember the sacrifice they made for Katsina. The statement said, “We stand with their families in this trying time and assure them of our unwavering support.”

In addition, Governor Radda reiterated the administration’s dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of every Katsina State inhabitant. He also urged people to keep their vigilance and work with law enforcement to support these efforts to uphold peace and order throughout the state.