Suspected terrorists have killed four people, including a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, in a fresh attack along the Jikamshi–Funtua road in Katsina State.
SaharaReporters gathered that the victims were ambushed and shot dead by armed bandits on Monday evening while travelling along the route.
Among those killed were Saidu Nasir and Saidu Liman, popularly known as Kalipha. Liman was reportedly on his way to complete his monthly NYSC thumbprint when the attackers struck.
Saidu had left his home in good health earlier in the day, unaware of the tragedy that would befall him. His body was later returned to his family, riddled with gunshot wounds.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents along the Jikamshi–Funtua axis, a road that has become a hotspot for banditry and deadly ambushes.
Confirming the incident on Tuesday, a security alert issued by Bakatsine described Saidu as a young man committed to his education and national service. The statement said his killing underscores the worsening insecurity affecting civilians across the region.
“The grief facing his family, friends and classmates is profound, as communities continue to demand safety over everything else,” the statement read.
It further questioned the government’s response to the persistent attacks: “How many more young lives must be cut short before authorities ensure safe passage on these roads?”
Residents have repeatedly raised concerns over the deteriorating security situation, calling on authorities to intensify efforts to secure highways and protect travellers from frequent bandit attacks.
The killings add to the mounting toll of violence in Katsina State and other parts of northern Nigeria, where armed groups continue to operate with little resistance, leaving communities vulnerable and in constant fear.
