Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Thursday donated N95 million to the families of 23 hunters and civilians recently killed in Alkaleri local government area of the state.
Governor Mohammed announced the donation during a condolence visit to the bereaved families in the Duguri/Gwana area, accompanied by a delegation of government and security officials.
LEADERSHIP reports that armed bandits ambushed and killed more than ten hunters in Mansur Forest within the Duguri/Gwana district on May 4, 2025.
The victims were on a routine patrol along the Duguri–Mansur–Dajin Madam forest corridor, which borders Bauchi and Plateau states when they were gruesomely murdered.
Governor Mohammed confirmed that 13 hunters and 10 civilians were killed in the attack, extending his heartfelt condolences to their families and assured them of the government’s continued support.
He further disclosed that he had engaged with the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Senator representing Bauchi South, Shehu Buba Umar to secure additional federal assistance and tackle security threats in the state.
“I want to convey the condolences of the Federal Government, particularly the Office of the National Security Adviser. We expect increased support from security agencies,” he said.
The governor praised the bravery and commitment of local hunters in protecting their communities and highlighted the strong collaboration between them and security forces.
“This was a serious test. While we lost some of our people, over 60 bandits were neutralised in the confrontation. This underscores the courage of our vigilantes and security agencies, who stood firm despite the attackers’ superior firepower,” he stated.
Governor Mohammed also announced plans to recruit and train 2,100 vigilantes by the end of the year, beginning with 300–500 personnel from the most affected communities, noting that they would be paid a minimum monthly wage of N70,000.
“We want to empower you by providing meaningful employment and responsibilities. Training will be conducted by security agencies to ensure professionalism and adherence to rules of engagement,” he added.
He urged communities to remain vigilant and help identify informants aiding criminal elements.
“These informants are worse than the criminals. They live among us. I urge traditional leaders to help expose them so they can be appropriately dealt with through security channels,” he warned.
Each family of the 13 slain hunters will receive N5 million, while the families of the 10 civilians will receive N3 million each from the state government as announced by the governor.
A committee led by the Chairman of Alkaleri LGA, Hassan Garba Bajama, along with district heads and security agencies, has been set up to ensure transparent distribution of the funds.
Additionally, Governor Mohammed announced another donation of N20 million to support hunters actively operating in the Duguri and Gwana areas.
For his part, the District Head of Duguri, Alhaji Adamu Muhammad, thanked the governor for his compassion and swift intervention, assuring that local security forces are working closely to enhance safety in the region.
Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, represented at the visit by DCP Muhammad Hassan Ahmed, extended his condolences and emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies to tackle insecurity in the region.
“Since receiving the report, we have taken all necessary steps, including promptly informing the governor and communicating the situation to authorities in Abuja. Ultimately, everything happens according to destiny. We cannot be everywhere at once.
“The Federal Government is working to address the shortage of security personnel. In the meantime, there is an existing programme that encourages collaboration between security operatives and local communities to collectively combat insurgents.
“We are doing our best. In every local government, we have personnel actively working with community members, including vigilantes and hunters, to enhance security efforts,” the CP said.
He added that the governor has given his total support in every aspect.
The CP stressed that additional security personnel have started arriving in the state, along with equipment that was previously unavailable. “These resources will help us reach every corner of the state.
“We deeply sympathise with the families of those who lost their lives,” CP said.
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