Terrorists Kill 11 In Katsina, army repels attack on Yobe

Callous disregard for human life is yet to abate in Katsina State as suspected terrorists killed 11 persons and injured others at Dan-Kumeji community in Kankara Local Government Area.

The incident occurred when scores of the attackers stormed the community with sophisticated weapons on Thursday night.

It was gathered that some of the victims were fleeing the community with the intention to hide in the farmlands and bushes. Unknown to them, the terrorists had divided themselves into groups, with one group waiting in an ambush in the direction in which the victims were headed. The gunmen opened fire on the fleeing residents of the community, killing about 12 of them and injuring others.

A source in the community said they counted 11 bodies yesterday morning, and that the injured were receiving treatment at a hospital.

The Guardian learnt that the deceased persons were buried, yesterday, according to Islamic rites.
Spokesperson for the Katsina State police command, SP Gambo Isah, who confirmed the incident, yesterday, however, said that seven persons lost their lives during the attack.

In a related development, troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have foiled Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) planned attacks on Babangida community in Yobe State.

The terrorists, who burst from the Sasawa Forest, infiltrated the township to prowl for logistic and food supplies on Tuesday.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement, yesterday, said the insurgents were met with a fierce counterattack from the vigilant troops, forcing them to retreat in disarray.

According to Gen. Nwachukwu, the troops captured a gun truck, an anti-aircraft gun, two AK-47 rifles and unprimed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from the fleeing terrorists.

He said the troops were still in a manhunt for the terrorists in the Damaturu/Dapchi axis of Yobe State.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, commended the troops for their vigilance and swiftness in protecting the community against terrorists’ attacks.

He therefore encouraged them to remain focused and avoid any form of distraction from the terrorists.

“They are desperate to make face-saving moves, having suffered enormous depletion in their ranks,” Gen. Yahaya said, pledging to rout out remnants of the terrorists from their hideouts.

He urged the people to avail the military with credible information that could enhance speedy execution of ongoing counter-terrorism operations.