At least three persons were killed on Saturday following a violent clash between security operatives and suspected drug dealers at Koraman Nayalle, Sabuwar Unguwa Quarters, in the Katsina metropolis.
The violence reportedly erupted when security operatives moved to arrest a suspected drug dealer identified as Uzairu, popularly known as “Kuda,” during which his mobile phone and suspected illicit drugs were confiscated.
Sources said the situation escalated after Kuda allegedly mobilised his associates in an attempt to retrieve his seized phone from the operatives. In the ensuing chaos, he was shot and later confirmed dead.
The development triggered anger and unrest in the neighbourhood, with the confrontation spiralling into wider violence that eventually claimed the lives of at least three persons.
During the disturbance, an outpost of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was set ablaze, along with several motorcycles.
Residents of the area were thrown into panic as tension remained high, with many living in fear of further violence while security agencies made frantic efforts to restore calm at the time of filing this report.
Confirming the incident, the NSCDC spokesperson, Buhari Hamisu, said the situation had been brought under control. He alleged that friends of the deceased attempted to attack and destroy another NSCDC and police outposts at Filin Kanada, but were successfully repelled.
According to Hamisu, an investigation has been launched to determine the immediate and remote causes of the clash, while residents were urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
Also confirming the incident, the police spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, said the violence escalated further during the funeral procession of the deceased on Sunday, prompting additional security measures to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
