By Sabiu Abdullahi
An Islamic teacher, Malam Murtala Saidu, was killed when terrorists attacked Garin-Gozai village in Na’alma ward of Malumfashi Local Government Area, Katsina State.
It was reported that the attack occurred on Sunday evening, shortly before Maghrib prayers, as gunmen stormed the village and opened fire indiscriminately. Saidu was reportedly shot while trying to escape the scene.
Security and intelligence expert Bakatsine confirmed the attack in a security alert issued soon after the incident. He noted that the terrorists moved freely and extended their assault to nearby communities.
“This evening before Maghrib prayers, terrorists stormed Garin-gozai village in Na’alma ward, Malumfashi LGA of Katsina State, killing a local Islamic teacher, Malam Murtala Saidu, who was reportedly shot while attempting to flee. The attackers then moved toward Mai Jimina community in same LGA, firing shots before retreating,” Bakatsine said.
The attack has sparked fear among residents who had hoped that earlier peace agreements between authorities, community leaders, and armed groups would bring lasting calm to the area.
Bakatsine raised concerns about the credibility of the peace arrangement, saying the latest violence exposes serious gaps in its enforcement.
“This comes despite a prior peace agreement between local stakeholders and armed groups, raising urgent concerns about its effectiveness,” the alert stated.
He further questioned the commitment of the parties involved, asking, “If a peace deal was already in place, why are such attacks still occurring, and who is failing to uphold the agreement?”
The incident gives an alert about the ongoing security challenges in Katsina State, where communities continue to face repeated attacks despite dialogues and formal agreements aimed at curbing violence.
