In the Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State, a clash between suspected bandits and local vigilantes, known as Yan Sakai, has resulted in the death of six individuals.
According to a source from the area who spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the situation, the vigilantes sought vengeance for the killing of their leader, Alhaji Dahiru, by a suspected bandit.
Witnesses reported that the conflict began when a vigilante leader in Gidan Hashimu village tried to apprehend a notorious cattle rustler spotted loitering in the market.
During the altercation, the suspected bandits shot and killed the vigilante leader, inciting retaliation from other vigilante members.
An eyewitness mentioned that before the police arrived at the market, more than six people had been killed, some sustaining gunshot wounds while attempting to seek safety.
“Following the deaths of their two leaders, the vigilantes in the area conducted reprisal attacks on Fulani communities, resulting in the alleged summary execution of over 50 individuals by the enraged group.
“Currently, my family and I are in hiding to evade potential retaliatory attacks by the suspected bandits.
“Tensions are high in Gada town, as purported Fulani individuals threaten to strike back in response to the killings.
“Although today is the market day in Kiri village, no Fulani individuals are visible in the market,”
“Thursday’s assault by the vigilantes on several Fulani settlements within Gada Local Government Area resulted in numerous casualties among the Fulani community.”
Member of the state House of Assembly for the region, Kabiru Gada, also confirmed the incident, stating, “The clash occurred when a suspected bandit leader was spotted in the Gada market making purchases, after which vigilant leaders recognized him and demanded his arrest for questioning.
“Upon resisting, he proceeded to fatally injure the vigilante leader from Gidan Hashimu village, prompting retaliatory actions against the Fulanis by the vigilante group.
“Reports suggest that multiple casualties occurred, including individuals wounded by gunfire from both factions. Both Fulanis and vigilantes lost their lives.”
Another eyewitness, Usman Gada, revealed that the leader had tracked down and confronted the suspect, who was accompanied by his kinfolk on their way to the local cattle market on Thursday.
The suspect resisted arrest, producing a knife and fatally stabbing the vigilante leader.
“Upon learning of his colleague’s death, they mobilized and surged into the market, executing any Fulani males they encountered. About eight Fulani bodies were counted and later delivered to the morgue.
“The timely intervention of security forces prevented further escalation as the Yan Sakai group, numbering about 100, sought to set ablaze the police station where some Fulanis sought refuge.
“Soldiers encircled the police station and disbanded them while the vigilantes razed all Fulani settlements in the vicinity.”
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the state police command, ASP Ahmed Rufa’i, announced that six individuals lost their lives in the turmoil.
“We are conducting an investigation to determine the root cause of the unrest and bring the culprits to justice,” he conveyed.