Bandits have abducted and killed the Health Secretary of Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, Sa’adu Dantutture, during an attack on his hometown.
The incident occurred in Dantutture community, Kafur Local Government Area, when armed men stormed the area around 11pm on Wednesday.
An eyewitness, Kabir Ado Mai Unguwa, said the attackers looted some shops before abducting Dantutture as they attempted to leave the community.
He said the health official was later killed by the bandits while they were escaping from the area.
Security personnel from the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade, alongside local vigilantes, reportedly engaged the attackers during the incident.
Three suspected bandits were reportedly killed during the confrontation, while another was said to have escaped after abandoning a weapon.
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Dantutture, who previously served as Director of Primary Healthcare in Funtua Local Government Area, was later buried in his hometown amid mourning by his family, colleagues and residents.
His widow, Fatima Sa’adu, described him as a humble man who dedicated himself to serving the community.
She appealed to the government to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity and protect residents from attacks.
The Chairman of Funtua LGA, Abdulmutallib Sulaiman Goya, who visited the family, described the deceased as an honest civil servant who devoted his life to helping others.
Dantutture’s son, Mu’azzam Sa’adu, also called on security agencies and the government to take stronger action against banditry.
“We want peace. We deserve to be protected. No family should have to go through what we are experiencing today,” he said.
A friend of the deceased, Alhaji Rabi’u Dantutture, described his death as a painful loss, recalling him as a kind and dedicated person.
The spokesperson for the Katsina State Police Command, DSP Sadik Aliyu, said he would verify the report and provide a response.
As of the time of filing the report, the police had not confirmed the incident.
The reported deaths of three suspected attackers and the abduction of two other residents could also not be independently confirmed.
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