Judge escapes through window as Bandits invade Katsina court

A Shari’ah Court judge, Mohammed Muktar, narrowly escaped death or abduction on Wednesday after suspected bandits invaded a courtroom in Gwarjo village, Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, in a brazen attack that has heightened concerns over the safety of judicial officers and public institutions in Nigeria’s troubled North West.

The attack, which occurred around midday, saw heavily armed men storm the court premises, firing sporadically and demanding to know the whereabouts of the judge. However, Muktar reportedly escaped through a window moments before the assailants entered the courtroom, narrowly avoiding what residents believe would have been a fatal encounter or another high-profile abduction. Blueprint reports

The incident is the latest in a string of attacks by bandits across Katsina State, where communities continue to grapple with killings, kidnappings and destruction of property despite sustained military operations against criminal groups operating in the region.

Judge escapes moments before attack

Residents of Gwarjo said the judge was already presiding over matters when he noticed suspicious movements indicating that armed men were approaching the court.

Realising the imminent danger, he reportedly fled through one of the courtroom windows before the gunmen reached the building.

Eyewitnesses said the quick decision saved his life.

According to one resident, the judge immediately sought assistance from a commercial motorcycle rider, who ferried him out of the area before the attackers arrived.

“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,” the resident said.

The eyewitness added that the incident caused panic among court workers, litigants and residents, who fled in different directions as gunshots echoed through the community.

Gunmen threaten to kill judge

Another resident said the attackers became enraged after discovering that the judge had escaped.

According to the witness, the armed men searched the court premises and repeatedly demanded to know where Muktar had gone.

Unable to find him, they reportedly threatened to kill him should he return to preside over court sessions in Gwarjo.

The threat has further heightened fears among residents, many of whom say the community has suffered repeated attacks by bandits over the years.

Some residents expressed concern that the latest attack could disrupt judicial activities in the area, leaving many civil and criminal cases unattended until security improves.

Fresh blow to justice delivery

Security analysts say the attack represents yet another challenge to justice administration in conflict-affected communities across northern Nigeria.

In recent years, judges, lawyers and court personnel in some parts of the North West have increasingly faced security threats arising from banditry and other violent crimes.

The invasion of a courtroom by armed men has also raised questions about the level of protection available to judicial institutions, particularly those located in remote rural communities.

Residents noted that courts are expected to be places where justice is administered without fear or intimidation, warning that attacks on judicial officers could undermine public confidence in the rule of law.

Katsina remains under pressure

Katsina State has remained one of the states most affected by armed banditry despite repeated military offensives and joint security operations.

Communities across Matazu, Batsari, Jibia, Safana, Dan Musa, Faskari, Kankara and several other local government areas have experienced recurring attacks involving killings, kidnappings and cattle rustling.

Although security agencies have recorded successes in neutralising several bandit leaders and rescuing kidnapped victims, attacks continue to occur, particularly in remote communities where security presence remains limited.

The latest attack in Matazu comes amid renewed efforts by federal and state authorities to restore peace across the North West through intensified military operations, intelligence gathering and community engagement.

Residents call for stronger security

Following Wednesday’s attack, residents called on the federal and Katsina State governments to strengthen security around public institutions, especially courts, schools and healthcare facilities located in vulnerable communities.

They also urged security agencies to intensify patrols and establish permanent security posts in communities frequently targeted by bandits.

According to residents, the continued attacks have created an atmosphere of fear, with many people now reluctant to attend public gatherings or official activities.

Some community leaders warned that unless urgent measures are taken, judicial officers and other public servants may become unwilling to serve in rural areas because of security concerns.

Police yet to comment

As of the time of filing this report, the Katsina State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of the Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, were unsuccessful, as telephone calls and text messages sent to him were not answered.

Similarly, there was no official confirmation regarding whether security operatives had launched a manhunt for the attackers or made any arrests.

The latest incident adds to growing concerns over the persistent insecurity in parts of the North West, where attacks on communities continue to disrupt economic activities, education, healthcare and the administration of justice.

For many residents of Gwarjo, the judge’s narrow escape was a fortunate outcome. However, they insist that the incident serves as another reminder that more decisive security measures are urgently needed to protect lives, strengthen public institutions and restore confidence in communities living under the constant threat of bandit attacks.