Armed bandits have killed an unidentified number of civilians in the Gwana District of the Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
Early on Sunday morning, the bandits reportedly launched a lethal attack in the district’s Mansur Village Although the authorities have not confirmed the precise number of casualties, unreliable local sources claimed that over 11 people were killed.
The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed in a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer CSP Ahmed Wakil that the attack happened at approximately 5:40 am on May 4 when armed bandits ambushed a combined team of professional hunters from Duguri and Gwana districts, resulting in a violent altercation.
According to reports, the hunters were ambushed while on a regular patrol in the Dajin Madam forest, which is close to the boundary between Bauchi and Plateau. Numerous people were killed in the ambush, including civilians and members of the local vigilante organization, according to the police.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased included both quasi-security operatives and civilians from Sabuwar Sara village, who were mercilessly shot by the bandits while attempting to flee,” the statement said.
It was discovered that tactical teams were sent to the scene right away to secure the area and retrieve the bodies after the report was sent to the Alkaleri Divisional Police Headquarters.
A specialized unit has since been assigned to track down the attackers and bring them to justice,” the statement added.
CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, the Commissioner of Police, visited the area on Monday and denounced the incident, calling it “utterly disgusting” and a serious danger to the peace and security of the state.
He informed locals that the Command was dedicated to identifying and apprehending the guilty.
During his visit, Aliyu met with community stakeholders and advised them to cooperate with law enforcement, stay cool, and be vigilant.
