Katsina – Suspected gunmen in the early hours of Tuesday, August 26, attacked the residence of a young businessman in Filin Canada Quarters, Katsina metropolis, killing a vigilante and abducting three members of a family.
The victims were identified as 33-year-old Anas Ahmadu, his seven-month pregnant wife, Halimat, and their two-year-old daughter, Jidda.
Vigilante shot while responding to distress call
Witnesses said the incident occurred at around 3:00 a.m. when the attackers scaled the fence of the couple’s residence.
A vigilante, 25-year-old Abdullahi Muhammad, was shot dead while attempting to assist after Halimat placed a distress call.
As reported by Daily Trust, a family source said:
“About seven gunmen scaled the fence of the house and banged on their entrance door. The wife phoned a vigilante for help, but other attackers lurking in the dark opened fire and killed him,.”
Katsina: Pregnant wife among abductees
According to neighbours, Halimat attempted to hide in the toilet while her husband tried to flee through the back door. Both were eventually overpowered and bundled away along with their child.
Another source revealed that Halimat is the daughter of Alhaji Usman Turare, a prominent petroleum marketer with several filling stations in the state.
“Her husband is a businessman, but I don’t think he was their target. The father of the wife is wealthy,” the source suggested.
Police confirm incident, promise rescue
Confirming the attack, Katsina Police spokesman, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, said:
“The assailants shot a vigilante member before fleeing the scene with the victims. Police operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer, swiftly responded and restored calm. An investigation is ongoing, and additional personnel have been deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted family.”
Security analyst Auwal Bala Durumin Iya warned that criminals are now infiltrating urban centres.
“This means nobody is safe. Bandits have already destroyed villages, and now they follow people into the city. Even government officials are vulnerable,” he said.
Community calls for stronger protection
The attack has sparked renewed calls for government intervention and community-driven security efforts.
“When you rely only on government, you are in trouble. Communities must organise and protect their neighbourhoods,” Durumin Iya urged.
For now, fear and uncertainty linger in Katsina metropolis as security forces continue efforts to track down the perpetrators and rescue the victims.
