Six persons have lost their lives in a clash between suspected bandits and vigilantes, locally known as Yan Sakai in the Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The vigilantes, according to a source in the area who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the matter, were said to have avenged the killing of their leader, one Alhaji Dahiru by a suspected bandit.
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.
Also confirming the incident, a member of the state House of Assembly representing the area, Kabiru Gada said, “The incident occurred when a suspected bandits leader was said to have been seen in the Gada market making purchases and some vigilante leaders identified him and demanded his arrest and interrogation.
He later resisted and instantly shot and matchet the Vigilantes leader of Gidan Hashimu village to death which prompted reprisal against the Fulanis from members of the vigilantes.
Another eyewitness, Usman Gada, who spoke with our correspondent, said the leader had trailed and intercepted the suspect who was in the company of his kinsmen on their way to the local cattle market on Thursday.