A convoy carrying Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari’s team was attacked on Tuesday by gunmen in Katsina, his home state in the north.
According to Garba Shehu, the president’s spokesperson, two people were injured in the advance convoy of security guards, protocol officials, and media personnel.
The statement further clarified that at the time of the incident, Nigeria’s number one citizen was not in the convoy. However, security personnel and an advance squad on their way to Daura, Buhari’s hometown, ahead of Sallah were ambushed at Dutsinma in Katsina state.
According to the statement, the military, however, repulsed the armed men.
“The Presidency has described as sad and unwelcome, the shooting incident near Dutsinma, Katsina State, at the convoy of cars carrying the Advance Team of security guards, protocol and media officers ahead of President, Muhammadu Buhari’s trip to Daura for Sallah”, the statement said.
Context
Katsina is one of the states in Nigeria’s northwestern region most afflicted by banditry.
Since 2015, several individuals have been slain and hundreds have been kidnapped in the region.