Katsina: 10 killed as rival bandit groups clash during naming ceremony

A joyful occasion turned tragic in Katsina State as at least 10 people were killed during a violent clash between two rival bandit groups in Matazu Local Government Area.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported via his X handle on Wednesday that the incident occurred on Monday evening at Gidan Mai Aure, near Sayaya village.

The confrontation, which began as a dispute between the rival groups, quickly degenerated into heavy gunfire, disrupting the naming ceremony and forcing mourners and residents to flee in panic.

According to him, the fight broke out between a gang led by Saimaila of Salihawa village and another group headed by Muhammadu from Maharba village.

Eyewitnesses told Zagazola that tension had been growing between the two factions over control of territory.

“Trouble started when Muhammadu and his men stormed the naming ceremony, leading to a bloody shootout.

“By the end of the violence, Saimaila and nine of his followers were killed,” Makama wrote.