Bandits Strike Katsina Village, Kill Miyetti Allah Chairman and Others”

Tragedy in Katsina as bandits launch a deadly attack, claiming the lives of the Miyetti Allah chairman and several others. Residents call for urgent government intervention.

Surajo Rufa’i, the Acting Chairman of the Katsina State Chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, has been killed by alleged bandits.

He lost his life on Saturday at his home in Mai-Rana village, within the Kusada Local Government Area of Katsina State.

According to a source, our correspondent learned that two additional people were killed and several others injured in the attack, which occurred at 11:30 p.m.

Although Rufa’i and the two other individuals were laid to rest on Sunday morning following Islamic rites, it was revealed by a source that the assailants had also kidnapped the deceased chairman’s two wives and his daughter, who is an undergraduate.

According to the source, Surajo’s first wife was eventually freed by the hoodlums.

The state police spokesman, Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed the incident in a statement. He reported that bandits had invaded Rufai’s residence, shot him, and kidnapped his wife and daughter.

A gunfight erupted when the operatives tracked down the assailants in Kofa village, compelling the bandits to flee because of the operatives’ superior firepower.

“Regrettably, two individuals were fatally shot by the bandits during their escape. Efforts are being intensified to ensure the arrest of those who fled. Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues,” according to the statement.

Before his death, Rufa’i served as the state secretary for the Katsina State Chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN). He was later promoted to acting chairman after Mannir Atiku Lamido, who held dual roles as National Vice President and Katsina State Chapter Chairman of MACBAN, mysteriously disappeared.

It was reported that Lamido departed from his residence in Katsina on June 23, 2024, heading for Kaduna State. He contacted his family via a phone call to let them know he had paused in Zaria to dine at a restaurant.

However, his whereabouts became unknown after family and friends attempted to contact him several hours later. Both of his phones were found in his vehicle parked along the Maraban Jos.