Bandits kill monarch in Katsina
• OPSH inaugurates ‘ Operation Accord’ in Kaduna • Police set up new RRS centre for Borno farmers
BANDITS have shot dead the Hakimin Garin Yantumaki, Alhaji Atiku Maidabino, in Danmusa Council of Katsina State.
The bandits, said to be Fulani herdsmen, stormed Yantumaki community about 12.30a. m. yesterday on motorcycles and headed straight for the traditional ruler’s home.
It was learnt that they broke into the house while everyone was fast asleep and shot the monarch several times at close range.
They also reportedly shot at his security guard, Gambo Chakau, who however escaped with gunshot wound.
Police Public Relations Officer ( PPRO), SP Gambo Isah, confirmed the incident.
“On May 31, 2020 about 11.55hrs, bandits in their numbers, armed with AK47 rifles, attacked the residence of the District Head of Yantumaki, at Yantumaki District of Danmusa Council of Katsina State, one Alhaji Abu Atiku, aged 60 years,” he said, adding that the bandits shot the monarch and his security guard. “The victims were taken to Danmusa General Hospital where the monarch was confirmed dead, while the guard was responding to treatment. Investigation is on going,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Special Task Force ( STF), Operation Safe Haven ( OPSH), maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Kaduna and Bauchi states, yesterday inaugurated a special operation codenamed Operation Accord.
Inaugurating the operation in Gwantu, Sanga Council of Kaduna State, Commander of the Task Force, Maj- Gen. Chukwuemeka Okonkwo, said the special operation was aimed at addressing insecurity within its area of operation.
“Operation Accord is an ongoing Defence Headquarters operation designed to neutralise and stem banditry and other forms of insecurity in the North West and North Central zones of the country,” he said.
Okonkwo assured members of the public that his men would be professional in carrying out the operation, adding that safety of lives and property would be prioritised.
He, however, warned his men against unprofessional practices, noting that anyone caught would be punished accordingly.
Similarly, the Borno State Police Command has established a new Rapid Response
Squad ( RRS) centre to protect farmers during the planting season.
The RRS is sited in Auno community, which had been under attack this year by Boko Haram terrorists.
The incessant attacks on farmers informed Governor Babagana Zulum’s decision to set up an office from where he would be working from time to time.
Announcing the new office at the weekend in Maiduguri, RRS Commandant, CSP
Abioye Babalola, disclosed: “Three additional patrol vehicles have been provided by the state government to be domiciled in Auno to secure the area. On how farmers would be protected, he said: “All our deployments now will start from Auno. That will take care of that axis, providing security, especially for farmers during this planting season.
“Many people will have confidence in going to their farms in line with the Federal Government’s directive of mass involvement in agricultural activity.”