Bandits have abducted and killed the Health Secretary of Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, Sa’adu Dantutture, during an attack on his hometown, Dantutture, in Kafur Local Government Area.
Dantutture, a former Director of Primary Healthcare in Funtua LGA, was reportedly seized shortly after returning to the community on Wednesday night.
An eyewitness, Kabir Ado Mai Unguwa, said the attackers invaded the community at about 11pm, looted some shops and abducted the health official.
He said the bandits killed Dantutture as they attempted to escape from the community.
“They first abducted him and took him away after looting some of our shops. But while they were leaving the village, they killed him,” Mai Unguwa said.
The attack reportedly triggered a confrontation between the assailants and troops of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade, who were supported by local vigilantes.
Three suspected bandits were reportedly killed during the encounter, while another allegedly fled after abandoning a weapon.
The reported deaths of the suspects, as well as the alleged abduction of two other residents, could not be independently confirmed.
Dantutture was later buried in his hometown, with family members, colleagues, friends and residents gathering to mourn him.
His widow, Fatima Sa’adu, described the deceased as a humble man who was devoted to serving his community.
“My late husband was a man of the people. He lived a very simple and humble life. This family has been devastated by his death,” she said.
She called on the government to intensify efforts to tackle banditry and improve the protection of residents.
Dantutture had served as Director of Primary Healthcare in Funtua Local Government before his appointment as Health Secretary of Malumfashi LGA.
Chairman of Funtua LGA, Abdulmutallib Sulaiman Goya, who visited the bereaved family, described the deceased as an honest civil servant committed to serving humanity.
A son of the deceased, Mu’azzam Sa’adu, also appealed to the government and security agencies to take stronger action against bandits.
“We want peace. We deserve to be protected. No family should have to go through what we are experiencing today,” he said.
A friend of the deceased, Alhaji Rabi’u Dantutture, described his death as a painful loss, recalling him as a humble and committed man.
The spokesperson for the Katsina State Police Command, DSP Sadik Aliyu, said he would verify the incident and provide a response.
He had not done so as of the time of filing the report.
- Police hunt driver after one-way violation sparks Abuja gas plant explosion - September 28, 2026
- Bandits abduct, kill Katsina LG health secretary - September 28, 2026
- What to know about Meta Muse AI, data collection - September 28, 2026
