Security operatives in Katsina State have prevented an alleged attempt to disrupt Sallah celebrations in Musawa Local Government Area, following a violent incident in Keku community that led to the arrest of six suspects.
The State Police Command confirmed that the suspects were apprehended in connection with an attack on residents of the community, where hoodlums reportedly assaulted villagers with dangerous weapons.
This was contained in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, who said operatives of the Village Crime Reduction Unit (VCRU) responded promptly to distress calls received on Wednesday around 2 p.m.
He explained that the attackers stormed the area armed with sticks and machetes, inflicting varying degrees of injuries on several residents before security personnel restored order.
Items recovered from the suspects reportedly included machetes, sticks and motorcycles allegedly used during the attack.
Preliminary findings indicated that the suspects conspired to breach public peace and create unrest ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in the area.
Sadiq-Aliyu noted that the quick response of security operatives prevented the situation from escalating further, while injured victims were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, where they are currently recovering.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Aliyu Umar-Fage, condemned the incident and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security before, during and after the festive period.
He urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious movements through official emergency channels.
Umar-Fage also reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for thuggery, mob action and any conduct capable of disturbing public order, adding that the suspects would be prosecuted upon completion of investigations.