No fewer than six persons have lost their lives after a clash between suspected bandits and vigilantes in the Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria.
According to eyewitnesses, the clash started when a leader of the Gidan Hashimu village vigilantes made a move to arrest and interrogate a notorious cattle rustler seen loitering in the market.
The suspected bandits, at the height of the crisis, reportedly shot and killed the vigilantes’ leader, which sparked reprisal by members of the vigilantes.
One of the eyewitnesses said before the arrival of the police team at the market, more than six people were said to have been killed some with bullet wounds from gunshots while running for cover to save their lives.
“The vigilantes in the area, provoked by the killing of their two leaders, went on reprisal attacks on Fulani communities in the area where over 50 people were alleged to have been summarily executed by the rampaging group.
“As speak to you now, I and my family are in hiding to avoid another reprisal attack by the suspected bandits.
“There is tension in Gada town, as suspected Fulanis vow to attack the town to avenge the killings of their members.
“Today is Kiri village market day, but you cannot spot a single Fulani male or female in the market area,
“The attack launched by the Vigilantes in many Fulani communities in Gada Local Government Area on Thursday saw the killing of many Fulanis in the area.”
The incident was also confirmed by Kabiru Gada, a member of the state House of Assembly representing the area, who occurred when suspected bandit leader was spotted in Gada market, leading to a confrontation with vigilante leaders. The situation escalated when the bandit resisted arrest, resulting in the fatal shooting and macheting of the vigilante leader of Gidan Hashimu village. This sparked reprisal attacks against Fulanis by members of the vigilante group, leading to casualties on both sides.
Eyewitness Usman Gada recounted that the suspect was intercepted on his way to the local cattle market and, upon resisting arrest, fatally stabbed the vigilante leader. Subsequently, the vigilantes retaliated by attacking Fulani individuals, resulting in several fatalities. Prompt intervention by security operatives prevented further escalation, although the vigilantes proceeded to destroy Fulani settlements in the area.
Confirming the incident, the spokesman for the state police command, ASP Ahmed Rufa’i, reported six fatalities and stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the root cause and hold perpetrators accountable.
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