No fewer than 11 local vigilante members have been confirmed dead following a fierce gun battle with heavily armed bandits and unconfirmed numbers of vigilantes in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
PUNCH Online learnt that the tensed standoff 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.
The assailants, according to a local source from the community, rode on about 20 motorcycles and were heavily armed, and they reportedly opened fire after their attack was thwarted.
The source said, “Initially, it was confirmed that two vigilantes were killed 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.”
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, 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 latest attack has reignited concerns over the persistent insecurity plaguing parts of Sokoto State, particularly in its rural communities, where vigilante groups often serve as the first line of defense against criminal gangs.
When contacted, 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 vigilantees killed as at the time of filing this report.
According to him, “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”
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