Explainer: Here’s All You Need To Know About The Attack On Buhari’s Advance Convoy In Katsina

On Tuesday the 5th of July, President Muhammadu Buhari’s advance convoy was attacked by unknown gunmen in Katsina.

What happened?

Last night, at Dutsinmma, about 152 kilometers from Buhari’s hometown of Daura, the president’s advance team arranged for his visit to his home state, Katsina was ambushed and attacked by gunmen. According to Buhari’s spokesman Garba Shehu, the convoy covered an advance team of security personnels, protocol and media officers.

“The attackers opened fire on the convoy from ambush positions but were repelled by the military, police and DSS personnel accompanying the convoy.” He said. 

President Buhari is scheduled to arrive in Katsina, on Friday to celebrate Sallah.

The ambush on the President’s advance convoy follows a terrorist attack in Dutsinma the same day that resulted in the death of an assistant commissioner of police Amina Umar and another police officer. It is unclear if the presidential convoy was connected to the attack. According to Gambo Isah, Umar and his team were attacked by “terrorists numbering over 300 on motorcycles, shooting sporadically with AK 47 rifles and General Purpose Machine Guns”.

Are there any casualties?

Due to the attack, at least two people sustained minor injuries and are undergoing treatment at an undisclosed hospital. The rest of the team arrived at Daura without harm.

What’s next?

Shehu Garba put out a tweet from his official Twitter page saying “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 the President, Muhammadu Buhari’s trip to Daura for Sallah.”