Unknown gunmen have killed at least nine members of a local vigilante group popularly known as ‘Yan Ba Beli’ in Bauchi State.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the vigilante group gained popularity for leading onslaught in collaboration with state security operatives against kidnappers and armed robbers across the state.
The vigilantes were killed in the forest of Gamji village while searching for bandits, who have been terrorising the communities in Ningi local government area of the state.
The gunmen ambushed the vigilantes and killed nine of them while others escaped with injuries.
A source in the area confided in our correspondent that the incident happened late Sunday evening when the ‘Yan Ba Beli’ were climbing the mountain around Gamji village in search of the bandits hibernating in the forest.
He added that as soon as members of the vigilante group veered into the ambush, the bandits opened fire on them.
The Caretaker Chairman of Ningi LGA, Hon. Ibrahim Zubairu Mato, confirmed the attack and condemned it, assuring that government will continue to do everything possible to protect innocent lives and properties in the area.
As of the time of filing this report, the Bauchi State Police Command has not responded to enquiries about the incident as the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) did not respond to messages sent to his known mobile phone number. (Leadership)