A civic technology organisation, BudgIT Nigeria, has condemned the violent attack on its Katsina State officer, Mustapha Sadiq, who was reportedly assaulted by armed men at his residence in a late-night invasion that left him with severe injuries.
The incident, which occurred on April 4, 2026, has raised fresh concerns about the safety of civic workers and the growing risks faced by individuals involved in public accountability and transparency work in parts of the country.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Country Director, Vahyala Kwaga, the organisation said five armed men invaded Sadiq’s home at night, wielding machetes and attacking him without warning.
According to the statement, the attackers broke into his residence and inflicted serious injuries on his head and upper body.
“Initial reports indicate that five men, wielding machetes, broke into his residence at night on the 4th of April 2026 and inflicted severe injuries to his head and upper body,” the statement said.
BudgIT described the attack as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” adding that the level of violence used showed a deliberate attempt to harm its staff member.
The organisation further explained that the attackers also attempted to steal Sadiq’s vehicle during the invasion but were unsuccessful. However, the damage had already been done, as the victim sustained injuries requiring urgent medical attention.
While details of his current medical condition were not fully disclosed, BudgIT confirmed that he is receiving care after the attack.
BudgIT said it is still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and has not yet established whether the attack was linked to Sadiq’s work in tracking government projects and promoting accountability.
“At this time, we are uncertain if the attack was connected to his professional and civic responsibilities,” the organisation said.
However, it raised concern that the nature of the attack may suggest a possible link to his work, which involves monitoring public spending and government projects in Katsina State.
Sadiq’s role as a civic officer involves collecting and analysing data on public projects to ensure transparency and accountability in government expenditure. This work is often carried out in environments where civic space is considered sensitive.
BudgIT noted that no individual should be attacked for carrying out lawful and peaceful civic duties.
“No individual should be subjected to such violence under any circumstances,” the statement added.
The organisation said it has officially reported the incident to the Nigerian Police Force and is calling for a full investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.
“We expect a prompt, thorough and transparent investigation into this incident,” it said.
BudgIT also urged security agencies to explore whether the attack could be connected to Sadiq’s work in public accountability, especially given what it described as increasing challenges faced by civil society actors in some parts of the country.
“We are also asking the police to explore if this has to do with his work of holding the government accountable in a very volatile environment,” the statement noted.
In recent years, civil society organisations in Nigeria have raised concerns about shrinking civic space, with reports of intimidation, harassment, and attacks on activists, journalists, and accountability advocates.
BudgIT called on authorities to take urgent steps to ensure the safety of citizens, especially those engaged in civic monitoring and public interest work.
It warned that failure to address such attacks could undermine public confidence in the ability of security agencies to protect citizens.
“Acts of this nature undermine public confidence and must not be allowed to persist without consequence,” the organisation said.
The group also expressed sympathy with Sadiq and his family, wishing him a full and speedy recovery from the injuries sustained during the attack.
“Our thoughts are with Mustapha and his family at this difficult time,” it said. “We wish him a full and speedy recovery.”
The incident has sparked concern among civic groups and observers who say it highlights the risks faced by individuals working to promote accountability in Nigeria’s public sector.
Katsina State, like several other states in the North-West, has also been affected by insecurity in recent years, including banditry and armed attacks in rural and urban communities.
BudgIT, founded in 2011, is known for using data and technology to promote transparency in public finance and improve citizen engagement in governance.
The organisation operates across Nigeria and has been involved in tracking public budgets, monitoring project implementation, and advocating for better use of public resources.
As investigations continue, the organisation says it will remain in close contact with security agencies to ensure justice is served.
For now, attention is focused on Sadiq’s recovery and the outcome of the police investigation, as concerns grow over the safety of civic workers in the country.
The attack has once again raised questions about the protection of citizens who work in sensitive areas of public accountability and the need for stronger safeguards in volatile environments.