More than 30 members of the local vigilantes otherwise known as Yan Sakai have been reportedly killed by suspected bandits.
This came on Monday, after a gunfight near Gidan Dan Inna community in Auki district, Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Those residing in the communities said the suspected bandits have invaded Gidan Inna village and some surrounding villages and rustled cattle.
Some residents were reportedly shot dead and cows carted away in the communities.
“Shortly afterwards, the leaders of the local vigilantes otherwise known as Yan sakai from at least 10 neighbouring communities started mobilizing their members to chase and rcover the rustled cattle from the armed criminals.
“Within half an hour, the vigilantes mobilized themselves and gave the rustlers a hot chase on motorbikes. However, 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,” a resident, Umar Kadowa, said.
He also said, “The other group then lurked around to lay ambush on approaching vigilantes. They killed more than 30 on the spot largely because the armed criminals outnumbered the vigilantes
“I saw the vigilantes on dozens of motorcycles rode towards Gidan Dan Inna village when I was going to my farm. I sensed trouble and had to come back home immediately.
“The remains of the slain vigilantes who were from more than 10 communities were later retrieved for burial at their respective villages. Fear has enveloped the residents of the communities as the armed men might come back to stage another attack.”
Efforts to reach the spokesperson for police in the state, SP Muhammad Shehu proved abortive.
