In a disturbing incident, terrorists struck the peaceful community of Rugar Kusa in Musawa Local Government, Katsina State, resulting in the tragic loss of 14 lives and leaving 17 others injured.
The attack, which extended for over an hour, occurred late Sunday night, with the assailants arriving at the village around 11:00 p.m.
The unsuspecting community was in the final stages of a Maulud celebration, a customary observance held by followers of Kadiriyya, Tijjaniya, and Shi’ites to mark the birth date of Prophet Muhammad.
Tragically, the festivities were disrupted when the terrorists, armed with guns, unleashed indiscriminate gunfire upon the gathering.
A community member, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns, described the terrifying events.
“Several people had retired for the night when the gunmen’s assault jolted even those in deep slumber. Some of the assailants encircled the procession, while others penetrated deeper into the community to perpetrate more violence. Many individuals, including those attending the Maulud procession, sought refuge in the nearby bush,” the witness explained.
The aftermath of the attack revealed a grim scene, with 14 confirmed casualties, but concerns lingered regarding the fate of those who might have been abducted or remain unaccounted for.
In the wake of the incident, a number of individuals with gunshot wounds were transported to the Ahmadi Rimi Orthopaedic and Special Hospital in Katsina for medical attention.
The Katsina Police Command reported a slightly lower casualty count, stating that nine individuals lost their lives, while 16 others sustained injuries.
According to Abubakar Sadik, the command’s spokesperson, seven people were initially killed during the attack, with two more succumbing to their injuries while receiving medical care.
The North-western states of Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi have been grappling with a series of terrorist activities, underlining the pressing need for enhanced security and counter-terrorism measures in the region.
