Bandits attack Bauchi villages, claim 7 lives
Gunmen, suspected to be bandits, wreaked havoc in Gara and Gamji villages within the Burra District of Ningi Local Government Area in Bauchi State. The assailants launched a sudden attack, indiscriminately firing into the air and leaving a trail of death and destruction. The unfortunate outcome claimed the lives of seven innocent individuals, with many others sustaining injuries.
Ahmed Wakili, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Bauchi State Command, expressed his grief over the devastating news. “Today, we woke up to a very sad occurrence. Following a distress call, we learned that bandits had targeted Kada and Gamji villages in the Burra district of Ningi LGA. These criminals arrived in large numbers, firing their weapons sporadically, resulting in the loss of seven precious lives.”
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Engaging in a joint operation with the Nigerian military, law enforcement officers valiantly confronted the bandits. “During the engagement,” Wakili shared, “three of the assailants were neutralized, while others fled into the nearby bush, potentially wounded by our gunfire.”
Tragically, a soldier sustained injuries during the confrontation and is now receiving necessary medical treatment at a local hospital. Wakili sorrowfully named the victims of the callous attack as Ali Usman, Shuaibu Adamu, Yunusa Adamu, Ali Alton, and Umar Sabo Ibrahim, all beloved members of the Gamji village.
He emphasized the ongoing efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, stating, “Currently, our operatives, along with other sister security agencies and local vigilantes, are tirelessly searching the bush in pursuit of these bandits.”
Commissioner of Police Auwal Mohammad expressed his deep condolences to the grieving families, offering prayers for the souls of those who tragically lost their lives. He urged the Area Commander to utilize all legal means available to swiftly apprehend those responsible for this heinous act.
An unnamed witness, a member of the Local Vigilante Group, shared a harrowing account of the incident. “Around 9:00 PM on Tuesday, these bandits descended upon the area on Bajaaj motorcycles, heavily armed and wreaking havoc. Our local security forces, outnumbered and outgunned, were forced to seek cover as the bandits unleashed their assault on innocent lives.”
According to the witness, the bandits ruthlessly shot and killed several individuals, including the Ward Head of Gara, Mai Anguwa Ali, and five others. The victims were identified as Alhaji Ibrahim, Shuaibu Adamu, Yunusa Adamu, Umaru Sabo, and Ali Aldo.
In addition to the loss of life, the bandits looted shops in the village, stealing foodstuffs and two motorcycles. One brave volunteer security guard was also killed, and an army personnel was injured during a fierce exchange of gunfire with the attackers in Gamji Village.
In a separate incident, suspected kidnappers targeted and abducted the wife, daughter, and driver of a prominent businessman, Alhaji Lawan Maliya, in the Yadagungume area of Ningi Local Government Area around 3:00 AM on Tuesday. This incident occurred just days after the Bauchi State Police Command successfully rescued ten kidnap victims in Ningi LGA.
The police commissioner acknowledged the gravity of the situation and reassured the public of their commitment to bringing peace and security to the region. He pledged to intensify efforts to apprehend the criminals responsible for the atrocities.
The residents of Bauchi State are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with the authorities by providing any information that may aid in apprehending the perpetrators and preventing further acts of violence. It is a time for the community to stand together, supporting one another as they work towards a safer and more secure future.
