Violent clashes have reportedly broken out between two rival armed groups operating in the Batsari axis of Katsina State, resulting in significant casualties, including women and children, Katsina Times has learned.

The confrontation, which occurred on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, involved two notorious armed leaders identified as Namurjiya, a younger brother of the late Sani Dangote, and Lamo, both long active in forest enclaves spanning Katsina and Zamfara states.

Investigations indicate that the clash was triggered by a killing allegedly carried out by Namurjiya about two weeks earlier. Namurjiya is accused of murdering Abdulrahman, Lamo’s younger brother, at Shingi Tsohuwa in Ruma ward, Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State. Sources further alleged that Namurjiya had repeatedly attacked and rustled cattle belonging to Fulani communities, particularly those that had embraced a recent peace and reconciliation initiative in Batsari and Jibiya areas.

These actions reportedly angered groups of repentant armed fighters who had accepted the peace deal. Acting under the leadership of Lamo, the groups are said to have mobilised a large force and launched an offensive against Namurjiya and his loyalists at Dumburun forest in neighbouring Zamfara State, where a fierce gun battle ensued.

Residents of surrounding communities told Katsina Times that the fighting began shortly after the evening prayers and continued deep into the night, forcing villagers to flee or take cover as the sound of heavy gunfire echoed across forests and settlements.

“The noise of the guns was terrifying. It was like thunder from the sky,” one resident said.

Multiple sources confirmed that the clash claimed numerous lives, including women and children caught in the crossfire. Lamo’s faction was also reported to have seized several firearms and motorcycles during the confrontation. However, the whereabouts of Namurjiya remain unclear as of the time of filing this report. While some sources claim he was killed, others insist he escaped with gunshot wounds. Katsina Times could not independently verify these claims.

Analysts note that violent rivalries among armed groups in the North-West are not unprecedented. In previous years, similar infighting was recorded between Gwaska Dan Karami and Sani Dangote, a conflict that eventually led to Dangote’s death.

Security authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the latest clash, as residents continue to express fear of renewed violence and reprisals in the affected areas.