Community Hunters Take Down 14 Bandits in Bakori, Two Lives Lost

The Katsina State Government says local hunters have killed 14 suspected bandits in an attack on travelers in Bakori Local Government Area on Friday.

Sadly, two people died during the incident. One was a hunter, while the other was a traveler who was reportedly burnt to death in his vehicle. Another hunter suffered gunshot injuries.

Nasir Mu’azu, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, shared this information in a statement on Friday, 23 October.

The commissioner explained that security officials received word around 1:28 a.m. that 26 armed men on 13 motorcycles were heading toward Dawan Laila forest in Bakori.

He named the suspected bandit leader as Isiya Kwashen Garwa. He added that security personnel in the area were put on alert because of information suggesting a planned mass abduction in nearby communities.

Mr Mu’azu reported that at around 1:31 p.m., there were updates about the armed men attacking travelers from Kakumi Ward who were on their way to Illela market in Sokoto State.

The attackers set a private vehicle belonging to Jamilu Lawal, 50, on fire while he was traveling with three others.

Hunters from Gidan Wawo village, Kakumi Ward, quickly mobilized to confront the attackers, leading to a gun battle.

The confrontation ended with 14 suspected bandits killed, and three travelers rescued. However, Mr Lawal was burnt inside his vehicle, as stated.

A 29-year-old hunter, Mohammed Jidda, also lost his life. Another hunter, Usman Sunday, 25, got minor gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment.

The government did not clarify how the traveler got trapped in the burning vehicle or if security agencies had confirmed the deaths of the suspected bandits.

PREMIUM TIMES could not verify the casualty figures independently.

Mr Mu’azu mentioned that intelligence reports suggested the armed group might seek revenge after the confrontation.

He stated that the state government is working with security agencies to stop further attacks in the area.

While the commissioner did not specify the exact security measures taken, he assured residents that the authorities are addressing the reported threat.

He praised the community hunters for standing up to the attackers and encouraged residents to share credible information with security agencies.

The government also urged residents to stay calm.