Residents of Funtua, Katsina State, were thrown into panic after suspected terrorists invaded parts of the town and engaged in prolonged gunfire that lasted for nearly two hours.
The incident reportedly occurred around 10 p.m. on Thursday in areas including Kasuwar Mata, Dandaji and the Sokoto Bye-Pass corridor around the vicinity of ASA Bread Company.
A resident, Muhammad Bello, said the attackers moved through parts of the town while firing weapons, forcing residents to remain indoors.
According to him, the gunshots continued intermittently until about 11:30 p.m., creating fear among families, traders, motorists and other residents.
Another resident, Ja’afar Musa, said security operatives responded to the incident and mobilised to confront the suspected attackers.
He added that residents supported the security agencies by staying indoors and providing information that could assist efforts to contain the situation.
A trader, Abdulrahman Shehu, expressed concern over the worsening security situation in Funtua and surrounding communities.
Shehu called on the authorities to intensify security operations and adopt proactive measures to prevent armed groups from gaining access to populated areas.
Residents also raised concerns over reported cases of kidnapping, armed attacks and other criminal activities in communities around Funtua.
They warned that continued insecurity could negatively affect lives, property, businesses, transportation and other economic activities in the area.
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Funtua remains an important commercial and transportation centre in Katsina State, serving communities within the state and neighbouring areas.
Another resident, Sa’idu Garba, urged authorities to increase patrols, improve intelligence gathering and strengthen rapid-response mechanisms.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, reportedly confirmed the incident and assured residents that security agencies were responding to the situation.
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