The Katsina State Police Command has arrested and detained at least four suspects in connection with a mob action that led to the death of a man identified as KC Joe in Kokami village, Danja Local Government Area of the state.

It was learnt on Sunday that the incident, which occurred on Thursday, followed a dispute involving Ibrahim Auwal and trader identified as Joe, also known as K.C. Jones.

The situation escalated when Jones allegedly stabbed Auwal during an altercation at his shop. Auwal was reportedly rushed to Abdullahi Makama Hospital in Dabai, where he was later confirmed dead by doctors on duty.

The confirmation of Auwal’s death allegedly triggered a reprisal, as some youths in the community reportedly mobilised, attacked Jones, killed him, and set his body ablaze along a nearby road.

In a statement signed by the Katsina Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Aliyu, on Sunday, the command said the four suspects linked to the killing were promptly arrested by operatives deployed to restore peace in the village.

“On April 2, 2026, the Katsina State Police Command succeeded in arresting four suspects in connection with a mob action that led to the death of one KC Joe in Kokami village, Danja LGA.

“The incident followed an initial dispute between the victim, KC Joe, and one Ibrahim Auwal, who was allegedly stabbed to death by the victim. The incident sparked a mob response, resulting in his death,” the statement read.

The Command added that operatives were immediately dispatched to the scene upon receiving the report, restoring calm in the area and ensuring the safety of affected families.

“Upon receipt of the report, a team of police operatives promptly responded to the scene, and normalcy was restored while the families of the victims were secured,” the statement added.

Aliyu said the state Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar, condemned the incident and urged residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

“He urged members of the public to always report issues to the nearest police station and avoid taking the law into their own hands,” the statement said.

The police boss also assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted to ensure justice.

“He further called on the public to remain law-abiding, assuring that the case will be thoroughly investigated and those involved will face the full weight of the law,” the statement added.

The command said the suspects are currently in custody while investigations are ongoing.

Also reacting, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, warned that the violence stemmed from a personal dispute and should not be misinterpreted as an ethnic or religious conflict.

“No individual has the right to take the law into their own hands. All those involved will be brought to justice,” the commissioner said.

The incident comes amid ongoing security challenges in parts of the state, including kidnapping and banditry.

In 2021, bandits reportedly set a man ablaze in his car in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, according to the Deputy Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, who represents the constituency. (The PUNCH)

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