The Health Secretary of Malumfashi Local Government Area in Katsina State, Sa'adu Dantutture, has been killed by bandits in his hometown of Dantutture, Kafur LGA. According to eyewitnesses, Dantutture was abducted on Wednesday night after returning to the community, which came under attack. An eyewitness, Kabir Ado Mai Unguwa, reported that the attackers stormed the community around 11 pm, looted shops, and took Dantutture away.
The attackers killed Dantutture while trying to leave the community, Mai Unguwa said. "They first abducted him and took him away after looting some of our shops. But while they were leaving the village, they killed him," he explained. The eyewitness also stated that troops of the Nigerian Army's 17 Brigade, working with vigilantes, engaged the attackers, resulting in the reported deaths of three suspected bandits.
Dantutture was buried in his hometown amid an outpouring of grief from family members, colleagues, friends, and residents. His widow, Fatima Sa'adu, described him as a humble man committed to serving his community. She appealed to the government to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity and protect citizens. Dantutture had previously served as Director of Primary Healthcare in Funtua LGA before becoming Health Secretary of Malumfashi LGA.
The Chairman of Funtua LGA, Abdulmutallib Sulaiman Goya, visited the family and described Dantutture as an honest civil servant devoted to serving humanity. A son of the deceased, Mu'azzam Sa'adu, urged the government and security agencies to act against banditry, saying, "We want peace. We deserve to be protected. No family should have to go through what we are experiencing today."
Friends and acquaintances of Dantutture have expressed shock and sadness over his killing. Alhaji Rabi'u Dantutture, a friend of the deceased, described the killing as a painful loss, saying, "He was a very nice and humble person, and someone who was deeply committed to whatever he chose to do." The community is still reeling from the impact of Dantutture's death.
The Katsina State Police Command has yet to officially comment on the incident. The spokesperson, DSP Sadik Aliyu, said he would verify the report and respond, but had not done so as of the time of reporting. The reported killing of three suspected attackers and the abduction of two residents could not be independently confirmed.
The incident has highlighted the ongoing security challenges in Katsina State and the need for increased efforts to protect citizens. The killing of Dantutture has sent a shockwave through the community, and his family and colleagues continue to mourn his loss. Key government officials have yet to make public statements on the incident.
Key points
- Bandits abducted and killed Katsina State Health Secretary Sa'adu Dantutture in his hometown.
- The attackers were reportedly engaged by Nigerian Army troops and vigilantes, resulting in the deaths of three suspected bandits.
- The incident has highlighted the ongoing security challenges in Katsina State and the need for increased efforts to protect citizens.
