Policeman, two others killed as bandits attack Matazu, Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed bandits’ attack in Matazu local government area of the State as one officer and two other people died.

DSP Abubakar Sadiq, the Command Public Relations Officer, confirmed the attack in Katsina on Monday saying police in the area also foiled further assault.

“On April 5th, 2026, suspected armed bandits in large numbers, armed with dangerous weapons, blocked the Karadua–Musawa Road in Matazu Local Government Area, where they opened fire on an oncoming Volkswagen golf vehicle, fatally shooting two persons.

“Upon receipt of the report, a joint team of operatives comprising the Police, Military, Katsina State Community Watch Corps, and local vigilantes swiftly mobilised to the scene, dislodged the assailants, and evacuated the victims to a nearby hospital.

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“The bandits subsequently regrouped and attempted to attack the Musawa Police Division. However, the officers on duty repelled the attack, successfully foiling their attempt and restoring normalcy to the area. Regrettably, one police officer lost his life in the line of duty during the encounter.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage, psc(+), mnips, has deployed additional operational assets to the area to strengthen security and prevent further attacks. An investigation has commenced with a view to apprehending the perpetrators.

“The Commissioner of Police commiserates with the families of the deceased victims and the fallen officer. He urges members of the public to remain calm and continue to cooperate with security agencies as efforts are intensified to bring the culprits to justice.

“Further developments will be communicated in due course”, DSP Sadiq said.

Earlier on Sunday, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, visited Sayaya village in Matazu Local Government Area following the bandits’ attack.

The assailants reportedly invaded the area, ambushed the police station, where a policeman lost his life, attacked the Primary Health Care Centre, and looted several shops in the town.

Upon arrival in Sayaya, Governor Radda inspected the affected facilities, including the Primary Health Care Centre and shops, to assess the extent of the damage. He also met with residents and commiserated with them over the incident.

During the visit, the Governor condoled with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and officers of the command over the death of the policeman and extended his sympathies to the families affected by the violence.

Governor Radda also directed the deployment of additional security operatives to reinforce safety in Sayaya town.