Bandits kill ex-NUT chairman, wife, kidnap others during raid in Katsina

In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through Katsina State, gunmen suspected to be bandits attacked the residence of Alhaji Sanusi Ango Gyaza, an aide to the Katsina State Governor, in the Gyaza community of Kankia Local Government Area (LGA).

The former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) for Kankia LGA, Alhaji Gyaza, was reportedly killed during the raid, along with his wife.

The brutal attack occurred on Friday night, leaving the community in mourning. According to sources, the assailants stormed the residence with lethal force, resulting in the deaths of Alhaji Gyaza and his wife. Tragically, the gunmen also abducted his other wife, further deepening the anguish of the family and the community.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but it follows a disturbing pattern of violence and insecurity that has plagued parts of Katsina State and the wider northern region. The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by banditry in the area, despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb such activities.

Alhaji Gyaza was a respected figure in the community, known for his dedication to education through his work with the Nigeria Union of Teachers. His untimely death has left a void in the Kankia LGA, where he was a prominent leader and advocate for teachers’ welfare.

As the community reels from this devastating loss, authorities are expected to intensify their efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The abduction of Gyaza’s other wife adds an additional layer of urgency to the situation, as efforts to secure her safe release will likely become a top priority for security forces.

When News360 Nigeria contacted the Katsina State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, he said, “I will get back to you.”

News360 Nigeria had earlier reported that over 20 medical and dental students and a House Officer were kidnapped in Benue State while en route to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu.

The students, from the University of Maiduguri and University of Jos, were travelling together when they were ambushed by gunmen around 5:30pm in the Otukpo area of Benue State.

The State Police Command confirmed the incident to SaharaReporters on Friday morning, sparking concerns for the safety of the abducted students.

Meanwhile, one of the victims has been identified as a House Officer named Dr Louis.

The abductors have demanded a ransom of N50 million for their release