The presiding judge of a Sharia Court in Gwarjo community, Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, narrowly escaped a possible abduction on Thursday after suspected bandits attacked the court during proceedings.
The judge, Mohammed Mukhtar, reportedly noticed the armed men approaching the court premises and escaped through a back window with some court workers before the attackers arrived at the courtroom.
The incident caused panic among court officials, litigants and visitors, who fled the area as the gunmen stormed the premises and fired several shots.
Witnesses said the attackers searched for the judge and repeatedly demanded to know his whereabouts after entering the court. They were reportedly angered by his escape and threatened to return.
While residents suspect the attack was an attempt to abduct Mukhtar for ransom, others fear the assailants may have had plans to harm him.
The attack has renewed concerns over insecurity in Matazu and other parts of Katsina State, where communities have faced repeated attacks by armed groups.
Residents urged security agencies to improve protection around courts and other public institutions, warning that judicial officers are increasingly becoming targets of criminal gangs.
The incident occurred about two months after retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife were abducted in Matazu on May 30. The retired army officer later died in captivity, while his wife was rescued after suffering a gunshot injury.
It also comes days after the abduction of a High Court judge, Justice Faruku Hassan, in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State. His abductors reportedly demanded N200 million ransom, raising further concerns about attacks on judicial officers.
As of the time of filing this report, the Katsina State Police Command had not released an official statement on the incident.
Efforts to get comments from the Chairman of Matazu Local Government Area, Shamshudeen Saya, and the council’s Information Officer, Mansir Bala, were unsuccessful.
