KATSINA — A Sharia Court judge, Mohammed Muktar, narrowly escaped abduction on Wednesday afternoon after suspected armed bandits invaded his court premises in Gwarjo village, Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The incident, which occurred around midday, threw court officials and nearby residents into panic as heavily armed assailants stormed the facility firing shots into the air and demanding to know the judge’s location.
“The armed men entered the court premises, fired gunshots to create panic, and demanded to know where the judge was. They were believed to have intended either to kill him or abduct him.” — Local Report
Key Details of the Attack
- Timely Escape: According to community sources, Judge Mohammed Muktar spotted the approaching gunmen from a distance while inside his chamber. Acting swiftly, he scrambled through a window seconds before the attackers breached the courtroom.
- Panicked Scene: The sudden shooting caused staff, litigants, and residents in the vicinity to scatter for safety as the gunmen searched the court premises.
- Targeted Assault: Local eyewitnesses noted that the armed gang appeared specifically focused on tracking down the judicial officer, raising fears of a targeted attempt at high-profile abduction.
Insecurity Impacting Judicial Operations in Rural Katsina
The attack in Matazu LGA underscores the persistent security risks faced by judicial officers and civil servants operating in vulnerable rural communities across Katsina State.
While security personnel have been notified of the incident, the audacity of armed groups targeting formal government institutions during official working hours continues to provoke concern over public safety and judicial administration in the North-West region.
