No fewer than three people lost their lives following a clash on Saturday between security operatives and suspected drug peddlers at Koraman Nayalle, Sabuwar Unguwa Quarters in Katsina metropolis.
The incident reportedly began when security operatives attempted to arrest one of the suspected peddlers, identified as Uzairu, popularly known as “Kuda,” and confiscated his mobile phone along with suspected illicit drugs.
As Kuda mobilised his associates to retrieve his phone from the operatives, the situation degenerated into chaos, during which he was shot and later confirmed dead.
The confrontation triggered anger and unrest in the area, causing the violence to escalate and eventually resulting in the deaths of three people.
During the unrest, an outpost of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and several motorcycles were set ablaze.
The neighbourhood remained tense, with residents living in fear of further violence as authorities made frantic efforts to restore calm.
The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Katsina State, Buhari Hamisu, confirmed the incident and said the situation had been brought under control.
He said that following the initial clash, friends of the deceased attempted to destroy another NSCDC and police outposts at Filin Kanada, but were dispersed by security operatives.
According to Hamisu, investigations are ongoing to ascertain the root cause of the clash, while residents have been urged to remain calm.
The police spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, also confirmed the incident, stating that the situation further escalated during the funeral procession of the deceased on Sunday.
He urged members of the public to exercise maximum restraint at all times and to avoid taking the law into their hands.
