The Katsina government has described bandits who killed 28 worshippers in Malumfashi local government area as “cowards.”
Faruq Lawal-Jobe, the acting governor, spoke on Saturday while inaugurating eight new armoured personnel carriers (APCs) procured to strengthen the fight against banditry.
The incident occurred on August 18 when gunmen stormed a mosque in Unguwan Mantau during early morning prayers.
Lawal-Jobe said: “We have invested so much in terms of security assets. We have also succeeded at least in securing four of the eight frontline local governments, including Jibia, Batsari, Kankara and Danmusa.
“The battle is not over until it is won. We will not relent, we will not be distracted by the cowardly attitude of the bandits because they are cowards.
“Instead of confronting the people, they decided to attack them very early in the morning when they were performing their obligatory duties.”
The acting governor commended the resistance put up by residents, saying the attackers had made several failed attempts to penetrate the village before resorting to violence.
He added that 76 kidnapped victims were freed earlier on Saturday, in addition to those who escaped while being taken into the forest.
Lawal-Jobe said the state government has sought federal support in tackling insecurity.
“Yesterday, our senators and the members of the House of Representatives met with the leadership of the security forces.
“We are getting support in terms of personnel and assets. Tomorrow, we’ll be hosting the chief of army staff, who will come for an assessment, and we are going to provide them with additional information on areas where we require their support,” he stated.
He praised locals for their role in providing timely intelligence, noting that the government would “continue until we have a secure state.”
Also speaking, Nasir Mu’azu, commissioner for internal security and home affairs, said the state has invested about N36 billion in tackling insecurity.
Mu’azu said Katsina now has 43 APCs, including the newly delivered eight, making it one of the states with the highest number of security assets in the region.
He stressed the importance of community participation in the fight, saying: “Security is a community-driven effort. We urge everyone to contribute to this noble cause.
“Our doors are open for anyone willing to assist, and we remain committed to transparency in all our security investments.”
