The peaceful community of Mai Rana village in Katsina State was thrown into chaos during the late hours of Saturday night as suspected terrorists launched a brutal attack that led to the death of Alhaji Amadu Surajo, the Acting Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state.
Surajo, who was previously the state Secretary of MACBAN, had taken on the mantle of Acting Chairman after the mysterious disappearance of the association’s former state chairman, Munnir Lamido, in June of the previous year. Lamido’s sudden vanishing during a routine trip to Kaduna had raised suspicions of foul play and left the organization in a leadership vacuum until Surajo’s elevation.
According to sources close to the incident, the terrorists, armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed Mai Rana village in Kusada Local Government Area in the early hours of Sunday, leaving death and destruction in their wake. “It was around 2 a.m. when we heard gunshots and loud cries,” said a local eyewitness who asked to remain anonymous. “People ran for their lives as the attackers looted and set homes on fire.”
The terrorists killed Surajo, along with three other villagers, and injured several more, who are currently receiving medical treatment in the hospital. One of the most shocking aspects of the attack was the kidnapping of Surajo’s family members. His first and second wives, as well as one of his daughters, an undergraduate at a public university in the country, were abducted by the assailants. However, in a twist of fate, sources confirmed that Surajo’s first wife was released by the kidnappers later on Sunday morning. The whereabouts of the others remain unknown.
“This attack is deeply troubling. No one expected something like this to happen in Kusada,” another local resident said. “We are used to security issues in other parts of the state, but Kusada has been relatively peaceful.”
The killing of Surajo has raised several questions about the nature of the attack. While many initially believed it to be a typical case of banditry, some are now speculating that the murder could be linked to something more sinister. The region, though affected by frequent terrorist activities, had not witnessed such an attack in this particular locality before.
Speaking to journalists on the condition of anonymity, one source within the security agencies suggested that the attackers may have had a specific agenda beyond just robbery. “It’s still early to draw conclusions, but we are considering all possibilities,” the source said. “The fact that Surajo’s family members were targeted suggests this may have been a premeditated attack.”
The killing of Surajo comes at a time when security concerns in Katsina State remain a significant issue. Despite numerous efforts to curb the activities of terrorist groups and bandits, the state has continued to be plagued by violence, particularly in rural areas. The attack on Surajo is seen as a stark reminder of the persistent insecurity that grips northern Nigeria, where terrorist groups and bandits operate with increasing impunity.
The response from the Katsina State Police Command has been swift, with officers deployed to Mai Rana village and surrounding areas to maintain peace and investigate the attack. However, as of the time of writing, police spokesperson ASP Abubakar Aliyu had not responded to inquiries about the ongoing investigation into the incident.
In the wake of the attack, there has been an outpouring of grief from members of the Miyetti Allah association, who expressed shock and sadness over the loss of their leader. A member of the association, who wished to remain unnamed, described Surajo as a “dedicated and hard-working individual who always put the welfare of herders and farmers first.”
Before his death, Surajo had worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between herders and local farmers in the state, earning him respect and admiration within the community. His assassination has left a void in the leadership of MACBAN, and many are now questioning the future of the association in light of the recent tragedy.
The tragic events surrounding Surajo’s death have cast a dark shadow over Katsina State. As security forces continue to investigate the attack, concerns remain high about the escalating violence in the region and the lack of progress in combating the terrorists who continue to terrorize innocent civilians.
Surajo’s burial is set to take place on Sunday morning, with his family, friends, and colleagues paying their final respects in accordance with Islamic rites. The bodies of the other deceased victims are also expected to be laid to rest shortly.
In addition to the investigation into the killings, attention is being directed toward the abduction of Surajo’s remaining family members. While his first wife was released, the fate of his second wife and daughter remains uncertain, fueling further anxiety among the local population.
As of now, the broader implications of the attack on Surajo and his family remain unclear, but the incident is already being hailed as one of the most brazen acts of terror in recent months. The continued targeting of high-profile figures such as Surajo, who played a prominent role in the local herding community, highlights the growing boldness of terrorist groups in the region.
