At least 11 local vigilante members have been confirmed d3ad following a fierce gun battle with heavily armed bandits in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
It was gathered that the clash between these two parties occurred on Friday, when members of the community-based vigilante group intercepted a group of about 40 bandits attempting to raid Magonho village.
According to a local source from the community, the bandits rode on about 20 motorcycles and were heavily armed, and they reportedly opened fire after their attack was thwarted.
“Initially, it was confirmed that two vigilantes were k!lled in the early exchange of gunfire. The number rose to 11 by Saturday after security operatives recovered more bodies from the surrounding Lakurawa forest enclave, believed to be a stronghold of the armed group,” the source told Punch.
Another eyewitness revealed that the vigilantes had mobilised quickly in response to intelligence about the bandits’ movements, managing to repel the first wave of the assault and recover some of the rustled livestock.
He said following the retreat, troops from the Forward Operating Base in Masallaci launched a pursuit operation, successfully reclaiming some of the stolen animals.
“The bandits returned to Magonho shortly after their initial retreat, and they set fire on the community’s MTN communication’ mast, and unleashed sporadic gunfire before fleeing again into the forest,” the source said.
The source, however, confirmed that efforts are ongoing to retrieve the remaining corpses and locate missing vigilantes.
“Security forces, including soldiers and personnel from other agencies stationed in Binji and Racca, are coordinating a search-and-rescue operation in the dense Lakurawa forest.”
The spokesperson of the Sokoto Police Command, Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the attack and the MTN mast that was set ablaze, but could not confirm the figure of the vigilantes killed.
“Yes, there was a report of attack in the area and the setting up of MTN mast in the community. On the number of casualties, I would have to get back to you on the figure as I cannot confirm the figure for now,” he said.
