Community hunters have killed 14 suspected bandits in a gun battle after repelling an attack on travellers in Gidan Wawo village, Kakumi Ward, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The confrontation, however, claimed the lives of a community hunter and a traveller, while another hunter sustained gunshot injuries and three other victims were rescued.
The Katsina State Government disclosed this in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu.
According to the statement, intelligence reports had earlier indicated the movement of 26 armed bandits riding on 13 motorcycles towards Dawan Laila forest in Bakori LGA.
The information prompted security agencies in the area to heighten vigilance over fears of a planned mass abduction in neighbouring communities.
However, at about 1:31 p.m. on Friday, the suspected bandits attacked travellers heading from Kakumi Ward to Illela Market in Sokoto State.
During the attack, the assailants reportedly set ablaze a private vehicle belonging to 50-year-old Jamilu Lawal, who was burnt to death.
The incident prompted community hunters from Gidan Wawo to mobilise and engage the attackers in a gun duel, resulting in the deaths of 14 suspected bandits, according to the state government.
The statement said the hunters suffered casualties during the confrontation, with 29-year-old Mohammed Ibrahim Jidda killed while defending the community.
Another hunter, 25-year-old Usman Sunday, sustained minor gunshot injuries and was receiving medical treatment, while three other victims were rescued.
Following the heavy casualties suffered by the attackers, intelligence reports indicated a possible reprisal attack by the armed group, the government said.
It added that the state government was working with security agencies to implement appropriate countermeasures to prevent further attacks and address emerging threats in the area.
The government commended the hunters and security personnel for their courage and sacrifice, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
It also urged residents to remain calm and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing security operations.
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