No fewer than three persons lost their lives following a violent confrontation between security operatives and suspected drug dealers in Katsina metropolis at the weekend.
The clash occurred on Saturday at Koraman Nayalle, Sabuwar Unguwa area, during an operation by security agents to apprehend a suspected drug dealer identified as Uzairu, popularly called Kuda.
Trouble reportedly started after operatives seized his mobile phone and substances believed to be illicit drugs.
Eyewitnesses said the suspect raised alarm and mobilised his associates in an attempt to recover the seized phone, a development that quickly degenerated into chaos.
In the ensuing melee, Uzairu was shot and later pronounced dead.
The incident sparked outrage among his supporters, leading to further violence in the neighbourhood.
By the time calm began to return, three people had reportedly been killed, while an outpost of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and several motorcycles were set ablaze.
Residents of the area were thrown into panic as tension gripped the community, with fears of possible reprisal attacks.
Security agencies were said to have deployed additional personnel to the area to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Confirming the incident, NSCDC spokesman, Buhari Hamisu, said the situation had been brought under control.
He alleged that associates of the deceased attempted to attack another NSCDC and police outpost at Filin Kanada but were repelled by security operatives.
Hamisu added that investigations were ongoing to determine the remote and immediate causes of the clash, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities.
Also speaking, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, confirmed the incident, noting that the situation further escalated during the funeral procession of the deceased on Sunday.
