Terrorists kill 30 vigilante operatives in Zamfara

Terrorists suspected to be Northern Islamic sect members have killed beyond 30 members of the local vigilantes otherwise known as Yan Sakai in a fierce gun duel near Gidan Dan Inna community in Auki district, Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

A source who identified himself as Idris Ambomade said his brother was part of those who were killed by suspected terrorists in Kaduna on Tuesday (31st May, 2022).

According to him, the terrorists attacked several communities, including Gidan Inna village and were stealing cows and other animals when the vigilante challenged them.

It was gathered that the head of the vigilante group known as Yan Sakai in the community, Umar Sanielema mobilised his team to go after the bandits, to at least recover their cows from bandits and they were eventually shot dead.

“Within half an hour, the vigilantes mobilized themselves and gave the rustlers a hot chase on motorbikes.” He noted.

“When the armed bandits realized that they were being pursued, they divided themselves into two, one group was asked to herd the stolen animals into the forest, while the other group then lurked around to lay ambush waiting for the vigilantes who were approaching”.

Ambomade stated, “as soon as they noticed the presence of vigilantes riding on Motorcycles, the bandits opened fire on them and killed over 30 on the spot.

He narrated that the remains of the slain vigilantes who were from more than 10 communities were later retrieved for burial at their respective villages.

The Police spokesman of the state’s Command, SP Muhammad Shehu could not be reached for comment at the time of filing this report.