KATSINA, Nigeria – A Shari’ah court judge, Mohammed Muktar, narrowly escaped death or possible abduction after suspected bandits attacked a courtroom in Gwarjo village, Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State on Wednesday.
Okay News reports that the armed men allegedly stormed the court premises around midday, fired several gunshots and demanded to know the judge’s whereabouts. Residents said Muktar noticed the approaching attackers and escaped through a window moments before they entered the courtroom.
According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen searched the courtroom while repeatedly asking for the judge. A commercial motorcyclist reportedly helped Muktar flee the area before the attackers could locate him.
Residents said the assailants became angry after discovering that the judge had escaped and allegedly threatened to kill him if he returned to preside over court proceedings in the community. The incident has heightened concerns among residents of Gwarjo, which has experienced repeated attacks linked to armed bandits.
The Katsina State Police Command had not officially commented on the attack as of the time of reporting. Efforts to obtain a response from police spokesperson Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu were unsuccessful.
