Three dead as youths clash with security operatives in Katsina

At least three people lost their lives and several others were injured following violent confrontations between youths and security operatives in the Katsina metropolis.

The crisis reportedly started late on Friday, December 27, around 10:00 p.m., when police officers raided suspected criminal hideouts in Sabuwar Unguwa Quarters and attempted to arrest an alleged drug dealer identified as Uzairu, popularly known as Kuda.

Police said the suspect resisted arrest and raised an alarm, drawing the attention of suspected gang members who attacked the operatives in an attempt to free him. In the course of the struggle, a firearm was reportedly discharged, striking Uzairu. He was taken to the hospital but was later confirmed dead.

Tension flared again the following day during Uzairu’s funeral procession, when youths allegedly clashed with security personnel at the graveyard. During the violence, two people were reportedly hit by stray bullets.

According to the police, one of the victims was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital, while the second is currently receiving medical care.

Amid the unrest, the youths were said to have set ablaze a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) outpost and attempted to burn a nearby police outpost before reinforcements were deployed to restore order.

Confirming the incident, the Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, said the clashes led to the death of two civilians, while another injured person is responding to treatment.

DSP Aliyu explained that during the initial raid, suspects attacked the police team, damaged an operational vehicle and injured several officers. He added that one policeman was stabbed while suspects attempted to seize his rifle.

“During the struggle to secure the rifle, a shot was released, hitting and injuring the suspect, who later died in the hospital,” he said.

He further disclosed that during the funeral procession on December 28, suspected miscreants took advantage of the gathering to set fire to the NSCDC outpost and attack security operatives, leaving one policeman with a deep machete wound and damaging a police patrol vehicle.

The police spokesperson said calm has since been restored in the area, with heavy deployment of police and NSCDC personnel to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

He added that the Commissioner of Police has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.

“We urge members of the public to exercise restraint and avoid taking the law into their hands as investigations continue,” DSP Aliyu said.

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