The Katsina State Police Command has launched an intensive manhunt to capture those responsible for the murder of Aliyu Yahaya, a member of the Nigerian Hunters Association. Yahaya was killed in the Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
According to ASP Abubakar Sadiq, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, the investigation is actively progressing with efforts focused on apprehending the suspects. He confirmed to the PUNCH on Wednesday morning, “Our efforts to identify and arrest the culprits are ongoing as the investigation continues.”
On August 13, suspected terrorists attacked Yahaya’s residence in Magamar-Jibia, located in the Mazanya district of Jibia LGA. They fatally shot Yahaya, set his body on fire, and kidnapped his wife, son, and three neighbors.
Salisu Yahaya, a family member, detailed the horrific events: “At around 2:00 a.m. on August 13, 2024, armed terrorists breached the wall of Aliyu’s home, shot him, and ignited his body inside his room. Despite his severe injuries, he attempted to defend his family from abduction, but the attackers overpowered him and took his family away.”
Basiru Muhammad, a colleague of the deceased, mourned Yahaya’s loss, describing him as a dedicated and patriotic individual who died in the service of his community. Muhammad urged for immediate security enhancements to avert such tragedies in the region and the state at large.
Neighbor Amadu Bello, whose two wives and mother-in-law were also abducted, appealed to authorities for urgent intervention to rescue his family members. “I call on the government to take swift action to protect residents from terrorist threats. The insufficient presence of security forces has exacerbated the frequency of these attacks,” he said.
Aminu Dan Mugyanbo, a local traditional leader, emphasized the need for decisive measures from the state governor, Dikko Radda, to tackle the security issues affecting Magamar-Jibia and other areas within the Jibia Local Government Area. “In the face of these devastating attacks, we will continue to support local vigilante efforts in safeguarding our communities,” he affirmed.