A violent confrontation between security forces and local youths in Katsina State has resulted in three confirmed fatalities and multiple injuries, leaving the metropolitan area in a state of tension.
Police Raid Sparks Initial Violence
The chain of events began on December 27, 2025, at about 10 pm in the Sabuwar Unguwa Quarters of Katsina Metropolis. According to the police command, officers acting on intelligence raided a criminal hideout to arrest a suspected notorious drug peddler, identified as Uzairu, alias Kuda.
Police spokesperson DSP Abubakar Aliyu stated that Uzairu was found in possession of suspected illicit drugs and a dangerous weapon. The situation escalated when the suspect resisted arrest and raised an alarm, summoning members of his gang. The group then attacked the police team, damaging their operational vehicle and injuring several officers.
During the struggle, DSP Aliyu reported that the miscreants attempted to disarm an officer, stabbing him with a knife. In the ensuing chaos to secure the rifle, a shot was fired, hitting and injuring Uzairu. He was rushed to the hospital but was later confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
Funeral Procession Escalates into Deadly Confrontation
The violence spilled over to December 28, 2025, during the funeral procession for the deceased Uzairu. Some youths, suspected to be social miscreants, allegedly set fire to an outpost belonging to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at Sabuwar Unguwa. They also attempted to burn down a nearby police outpost in a bid to register their displeasure over the death.
Police reinforcements were quickly dispatched to the scene and, in collaboration with NSCDC personnel, tried to restore order. However, the situation deteriorated further. The police account states the youths became more aggressive, inflicting a deep machete cut on one policeman and causing significant damage to a police patrol van.
Tragically, stray bullets hit two persons during this second clash. Both were rushed to the hospital. One was confirmed dead upon arrival, while the other is responding to treatment. This brings the total death toll from both incidents to three.
Community on Edge as Investigation Begins
As of the morning of Monday, December 29, the Sabuwar Unguwa community remained tense. A strong joint security presence of police and NSCDC personnel has been deployed to the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
DSP Abubakar Aliyu confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway to ascertain all the facts surrounding the tragic incidents. The police command's narrative emphasizes the resistance and attacks by the suspected miscreants, while community sources point to the escalation at the funeral.
The events highlight the ongoing challenges of security operations in densely populated areas and the potential for isolated incidents to trigger wider civil unrest.
