The Police in Katsina has confirmed the death of nine persons after a Maulud procession at night was attacked by bandits in Rugar Kusa village in Musawa Local Government Area.
A terse statement by the Police spokesman in the state, ASP Abubakar Aliyu reads: “On November 5, 2023, at about 2230 hours, armed bandits in their numbers, wielding dangerous weapons such as AK-47 rifles and shooting sporadically, attacked the Maulud procession at Rugar Kusa village, Musawa LGA, Katsina State.
“Upon receipt of the report, immediately, operatives were mobilised and swung into action, where they succeeded in repelling the attack. Seven (7) people were shot dead, and eighteen (18) people sustained gunshot injuries as a result of the attack and were evacuated to General Hospital Musawa for immediate medical attention.
“However, two (2) people out of the injured were confirmed dead by the doctor while receiving treatment. The investigation is still ongoing. Efforts are on with a view to arresting the perpetrators of the dastardly act. “Further development will be communicated in due course.”
Maulud processions, it was learnt take place among Muslims in many parts of the country. While some others engage in recitations, many conduct processions to mark the occasion.
It was difficult to find out on Tuesday why the procession was conducted at night in the highly volatile state, and it was not clear why the bandits chose to attack a religious procession.
