Katsina: Bandits kill abducted businessman; village head escape attack
Bandits have killed Alhaji Balan Auwal Mai Gwanjo, a prominent businessman in Malumfashi, Katsina State after being held captive for weeks.
The deceased was abducted from his residence alongside his son, Saifullahi.
The bandits informed the family of the death on Sunday. It is not clear what happened to the deceased’s son.
However, thousands of Malumfashi residents performed the funeral prayer for the deceased.
The late Alhaji Balan Auwal was a respected figure in the community, popularly known as “Mai Gwanjo.” His death adds to the growing toll of victims from persistent insecurity in northern Nigeria, particularly Katsina State, which has been plagued by banditry and mass abductions.
Meanwhile, security personnel on Saturday foiled a bandit attack on the residence of the village head of Dayi in Malumfashi Local Government Area, Alhaji Yahaya Lawal.
Sources said that the police responded to a distress call at about 12:05 a.m., mobilised to the scene, and engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat.
The bandits shot and injured two residents of Unguwar Bugau, who were rushed to Malumfashi General Hospital for medical attention.
One of the victims identified as Sani Umar, 30, however died, while another victim, Muhammad Garba, 22, who sustained injuries during the initial attack at Dayi, is receiving treatment at the hospital.
