The destroyed NSCDC outpost
At least 3 people were killed on Saturday after a violent confrontation between security operatives and suspected drug peddlers in the Koraman Nayalle area of Sabuwar Unguwa Quarters, Katsina metropolis.
The clash reportedly began when security personnel moved to arrest a suspected drug dealer identified as Uzairu, popularly known as “Kuda.” During the operation, his mobile phone and substances believed to be illicit drugs were confiscated.
Witnesses said the situation quickly deteriorated when Kuda mobilised his associates in an attempt to retrieve his seized phone from the operatives. The confrontation escalated into chaos, during which Kuda was shot. He was later confirmed dead.
Following his death, tension spread across the neighbourhood as anger mounted among residents and associates of the deceased. The unrest intensified, eventually resulting in the deaths of three persons.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an outpost of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), along with several motorcycles, was set on fire during the violence.
Residents of the area were thrown into panic as the neighbourhood remained tense, while security agencies intensified efforts to restore calm and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
Confirming the incident, the NSCDC Public Relations Officer in Katsina State, SC Buhari Hamisu, said the situation had been brought under control.
Hamisu disclosed that after the initial clash, some friends of the deceased attempted to vandalise another NSCDC outpost as well as a police post at Filin Kanada, but were successfully dispersed by security operatives.
He added that investigations were ongoing to determine the root cause of the violence, while appealing to residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities.
Also speaking, the police spokesperson in the state, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, confirmed the incident, noting that the violence further escalated during the funeral procession of the deceased on Sunday.
He urged members of the public to exercise restraint at all times and refrain from taking the law into their hands. (NAN)
