In a harrowing attack that underscores the persistent security challenges in northern Nigeria, suspected bandits have brutally murdered Alhaji Surajo Ahmed, the Katsina State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN). The assailants stormed his residence in Mai Rana, a community in Kusada Local Government Area of Katsina State, late Sunday night, leaving a trail of anguish and uncertainty.
The attack, which occurred around 10 p.m., saw the armed bandits not only ending the life of the prominent cattle breeder but also abducting his two wives and daughter. According to MACBAN National President, Alhaji Baba Usman Ngelzarma, the association has reached out to security agencies for immediate intervention.
“The tragic incident happened yesterday around 10 p.m. We have contacted the police and other security bodies to investigate this heinous act and ensure the safe release of the kidnapped family members,” Ngelzarma stated with a tone of urgency.
Despite the gravity of the situation, efforts to obtain a response from the Katsina State Police Command have so far been futile. Calls and text messages directed at Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, the Police Public Relations Officer, remain unanswered, fueling concerns over the swift response needed to address the crisis.
This chilling attack highlights the escalating violence plaguing rural communities in northern Nigeria. It also brings to light the vulnerability of even influential figures in the region, such as Alhaji Ahmed, whose position as MACBAN chairman made him a respected voice within the Fulani pastoralist community.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, which represents the interests of herders, has often found itself in the spotlight amidst Nigeria’s complex security and social issues. The murder of one of its top leaders adds a grim chapter to the ongoing saga of violence in the country.
As residents of Mai Rana community grapple with fear, the abduction of Alhaji Ahmed’s family underscores the urgent need for a coordinated and decisive response from the authorities to combat the menace of banditry. The nation now awaits answers—and action—to prevent further tragedies of this magnitude.
Will Justice Be Served?
The call for justice resonates loudly in Katsina and beyond as communities, stakeholders, and human rights advocates demand accountability and immediate action from the government and security agencies. With the safety of the abducted victims hanging in the balance, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether this atrocity becomes just another statistic in Nigeria’s banditry crisis or a turning point toward meaningful change.
PIONEER NEWS 