A deadly clash between rival bandit groups erupted on Tuesday afternoon in Tsaskiya village on the outskirts of Safana Local Government Area in Katsina State, resulting in one fatality.
The victim, identified as Dan Tukur Ude, was reportedly killed during a violent confrontation over possession of a Russian-made rifle, according to security sources.
A security analyst known as Bakatsine revealed details of the incident on social media platform X on Wednesday, stating that notorious bandit leader Dogo Online allegedly shot and killed Ude during the altercation.
"Yesterday afternoon, deadly clash erupted between rival bandits over a Russian rifle in Tsaskiya outskirt area, Safana LGA, Katsina State. Dogo Online reportedly killed Dan Tukur Ude during the clash," Bakatsine wrote.
Security Response Pending
As of the time of this report, security agencies have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. The clash highlights the ongoing security challenges in Katsina State, which has been grappling with banditry and related violence for several years.
This incident comes amid increasing concerns about inter-gang rivalries among bandits operating in Nigeria's northwestern region, where competition for weapons, territory, and resources has intensified violent confrontations.
The specific Russian rifle that reportedly triggered the deadly clash appears to be a highly valued weapon among the criminal groups, though details about its specifications remain unclear.
BenriNews will provide updates as more information becomes available from official security sources.