Bandits kill vigilantes, residents in Kastina

• The attack was orchestrated by two bandit leaders who had recently established a camp at Yar Tepa
  

  ---

Bandits have allegedly killed Sanusi Hassan, the commander of the Katsina Community Watch Corps in Kankara LGA.

According to Abubakar Salihu, a resident interviewed by TheCable on Saturday, the bandits ambushed the corps members at Yar Tepa village on Friday.

In the ensuing gun battle, the corps commander, along with four vigilantes and two residents, lost their lives. The attack was orchestrated by two bandit leaders who had recently established a camp at Yar Tepa.

“Those are the two notorious bandits kingpins terrorising residents in the area,” he said.

The International Human Rights Advocacy and Awareness Centre (IHRAAC), a non-government organisation, has condemned the ambush on the community watch corps.

The organisation called for a thorough investigation into the incident, adding that the perpetrators must be brought to justice.

“IHRAAC extends heartfelt condolences to the Community Watch Corps and mourns the loss of commander Ustaz Sanusi Hassan and other officers who tragically perished in the recent ambush,” IHRAAC said on Friday.

“The untimely demise of commander Ustaz Sanusi Hassan is a significant blow not only to the community watch corps but also to the entire community of Kankara and Katsina state. His leadership and dedication will be sorely missed.

“IHRAAC strongly condemns the heinous act of violence against commander Ustaz Sanusi Hassan and community watch corps officers, highlighting the escalating insecurity in Katsina state. Urgent action is needed to address the root causes of banditry and criminality.

“IHRAAC demands a swift and thorough investigation into the ambush, focusing on identifying and bringing the perpetrators to justice.”