A Shari’ah court judge, Mohammed Muktar, escaped death or a possible kidnap on Wednesday after suspected bandits raided a courtroom in Gwarjo village, Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The incident happened around midday when the armed men reportedly burst into the court, fired shots and demanded to know where the judge was.
Residents told Daily Trust that Mohammed Muktar noticed the gunmen approaching from a distance and quickly climbed out through a window just before they reached the courtroom.
“The bandits entered the courtroom, shooting indiscriminately and repeatedly asking where the judge was. Fortunately, he had already escaped through the window, and a commercial motorcyclist helped him flee before they arrived,” a resident said.
Another eyewitness said the attackers became angry after finding out the judge had escaped. The witness said they warned they would kill him if he returned to continue court sessions in the community.
The incident has increased fear among residents of Gwarjo, a community that has faced repeated attacks by suspected bandits.
NOTE: Image above is illustrative.
