Katsina Businessman Brutally Attacked by Suspected Phone Thieves, Dr Clement Alegu Calls for Debate on Self-Defence Laws
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
A shocking incident in Katsina State has reignited conversations around citizens’ safety and self-defence rights after suspected phone thieves launched a brutal machete attack on a local businessman, Marwan Usman, on Sunday night, 21 September 2025.
According to details shared by Dr Clement Alegu on his Facebook page, the attack occurred at Marwan’s workplace along IBB Road, near Kaura Gate and the MTN office, while the businessman was refilling his generator for night operations.
Attackers Strike, Leave Victim Badly Injured
Eyewitnesses told Akahi News that the assailants demanded Marwan’s mobile phone, but he resisted their attempt. The confrontation reportedly turned violent, with the attackers inflicting multiple machete cuts before fleeing the scene.
Surprisingly, the gang left without taking the phone, raising questions about whether the attack was a mere robbery attempt gone wrong or part of a broader pattern of insecurity affecting small business owners in the state.
Marwan was later rushed to a nearby hospital, where he is said to be receiving treatment for his injuries.
Dr Clement Alegu Raises Concerns Over Citizens’ Safety
In his Facebook post, Dr Clement Alegu described the incident as “deeply disturbing,” calling for urgent action to protect law-abiding citizens from violent criminals.
He questioned whether the government should consider legalising the carrying of locally made firearms for self-defence, particularly for business owners who often work late at night in isolated areas.
“People have the right to defend themselves when law enforcement presence is inadequate. How many more lives must be lost before we revisit the conversation around self-defence laws?” Dr Alegu asked.
Rising Insecurity and Calls for Policy Reforms
This incident comes amid growing public frustration over rising armed attacks and thefts targeting small businesses across Northern Nigeria. Community leaders and security experts have repeatedly urged the government to intensify policing efforts and explore pragmatic security reforms to curb such crimes.
Analysts believe Dr Alegu’s suggestion reflects a larger sentiment among residents who feel increasingly vulnerable and believe state authorities should balance citizen safety with responsible gun-control measures.
Government Yet to Respond
As of press time, the Katsina State Government and security agencies had not issued an official statement on the incident or on the debate around legalising firearms for self-defence.
Human rights groups have cautioned, however, that any move towards legalising locally made guns must be accompanied by strict regulations to prevent misuse while addressing root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and weak law enforcement structures.
What Happens Next?
For now, residents await both justice for Marwan Usman and a broader policy discussion on strengthening community safety. Whether the government will consider Dr Alegu’s suggestion remains uncertain, but the attack has undeniably rekindled public demands for urgent security reforms in Katsina and beyond.
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