Seven Children Were Killed In Stampede As Residents Terrorists’ Onslaught In Katsina

A stampede in Shimfida village, Jibia Local Government Area, Katsina State, has claimed the lives of seven children and injured several more.

According to sources, the dread of a terrorist strike threw inhabitants into a frenzy, resulting in the deaths.

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Although the incident has yet to be confirmed by the authorities, a local resident, Abdulrazak Ahmad, told Channels Television that the tragedy occurred late Thursday after soldiers operating in a joint security task force were completely evacuated and withdrew from the village.

The retreating soldiers were initially stationed at the Shimfida Government Secondary School, around 27 kilometers from Jibia town, he claimed.

However, as soon as it was confirmed that the military would be making a non-return trip, residents became concerned, with many assuming that terrorists would strike because the hamlet had become unprotected.

With this in mind, locals began to pack their possessions, some waiting for the first sign of an attack before leaving, while others began evacuating their homes to seek sanctuary elsewhere.

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Unfortunately, the gunmen stormed the hamlet as soon as the locals closed their eyes to sleep, firing indiscriminately and capturing several of the villagers.

The victims have subsequently been buried according to Islamic customs, according to Ahmad, who believes that the military’ retreat allowed terrorists to enter the area.

The police and other security services have yet to make any formal announcements about the situation.