A naming ceremony in Katsina State turned deadly on Monday evening when two rival bandit groups engaged in a violent clash, leaving at least 10 people dead. The incident occurred at Gidan Mai Aure, near Sayaya village in Matazu Local Government Area.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama shared details of the attack via his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, revealing that the confrontation was between a gang led by Saimaila from Salihawa village and another group headed by Muhammadu from Maharba village.
According to eyewitness accounts, tensions between the two factions had been escalating over territorial control. The situation reached a boiling point when Muhammadu and his men stormed the ceremony, triggering a deadly shootout.
“Trouble started when Muhammadu and his men stormed the naming ceremony, leading to a bloody shootout. By the end of the violence, Saimaila and nine of his followers were killed,” Makama wrote.
The tragic event underscores the persistent threat posed by armed groups in parts of northern Nigeria, where community gatherings are increasingly vulnerable to violent disruptions. Authorities are yet to issue an official statement, but local residents are calling for heightened security and swift justice.
