By Umar Babangida
A fragile peace arrangement in Katsina State appeared to have collapsed on Tuesday as armed bandits killed three Mobile Police (Mopol) officers and injured several others in Guga village, Bakori Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses told Verity News that the assailants blocked the Guga road and opened fire on the Mopol officers as they were on routine movement through the area. The attack threw the community into panic.
Bakori Local Government Area is among the councils in Katsina State that previously entered into a peace accord with armed bandit groups in a bid to curb violence and restore normalcy. However, the latest attack has raised serious concerns over the sustainability and effectiveness of the agreement, as residents say bandit activities have intensified rather than declined.
Community members lamented that despite embracing dialogue and reconciliation with the armed groups, killings, kidnappings and attacks have continued unabated, casting doubt on the credibility of the peace process.
The bodies of the slain Mopol officers were later evacuated to the General Hospital in Funtua.
As of the time of filing this report, the Katsina State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.