Killing of 50 Worshppers: Army To Establish Additional Battalion In Katsina South
The Nigerian Army has announced plans to establish additional battalion in Katsina South Senatorial District where bandits are currently terrorising residents.
The decision followed an engagement between Katsina lawmakers at the National Assembly and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as well as the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, in Abuja.
The engagement with the military high command followed sweeping attacks on residents by bandits in the area and the killing of more than 50 worshippers in a mosque in Malumfashi local government area. The bandits also abducted more than 70 villagers during the attack on Tuesday, August 19.
In a joint press statement issued after the meeting, the lawmakers expressed concern over the worsening insecurity in Katsina State and called for urgent Federal Government intervention.
They urged President Bola Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to authorise the deployment of additional military assets and resources to the state.
While commending the Federal Government for its current security commitments, the lawmakers stressed that the scale of attacks in Katsina state demanded greater reinforcement.
They noted the “proactive and unwavering efforts” of Governor Dikko Radda in addressing the insecurity bedevilling the state and pledged their total support.
“On behalf of our constituents, we commend the strides the governor is making in combating banditry, kidnapping and other violent attacks that have plagued our communities.
“We pledge our continued support and call for sustained coordination among security agencies, community leaders, and stakeholders to restore peace and safety in Katsina State,” the lawmakers said in a statement signed by the chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua.
The legislators extended condolences to families of victims of recent attacks, particularly the massacre at Gidan Mantau in Malumfashi where more than 50 Muslims were killed by bandits in a mosque while offering early morning prayers.
In his response, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluyede, assured the delegation of the Army’s commitment, revealing that a full battalion would be established in the Senatorial District to strengthen existing military deployments and secure vulnerable communities across the axis.
