Over 11 local vigilante members have been confirmed dead following a fierce gun battle with heavily armed bandits and unconfirmed numbers of vigilantes in the Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Chronicle NG that the tense 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 bandits, 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 stated that the vigilantes acted fast in response to intelligence about the bandits’ movements, repelling the first wave of attack and recovering some of the rustled livestock.
He stated that following the retreat, forces from the Forward Operating Base in Masallaci conducted a chase operation, successfully recovering several of the stolen animals.
“The bandits returned to Magonho shortly after their initial retreat, and they set fire to 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 vigilante members.
“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 recent incident has rekindled concerns about the ongoing instability in portions of Sokoto State, particularly in rural areas where vigilante groups frequently act as the first line of defence against criminal gangs.
When reached, Ahmed Rufai, spokesperson for the Sokoto Police Command, acknowledged the attack and the burning MTN mast but could not confirm the number of vigilantes slain as of the time of reporting this article.
According to him, “Yes, there was a report of an attack in the area and the setting up of an 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.”
