Armed bandits have killed an undisclosed number of individuals in the Gwana District of Alkaleri Local Government Area in Bauchi State.
The bandits are reported to have launched a brutal assault early on Sunday morning in Mansur Village, located within the district.
Though unverified local sources claim more than 11 people lost their lives, the police have yet to confirm the exact number of casualties.
A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Ahmed Wakil, confirmed that the attack took place around 5:40 am on May 4. A combined team of professional hunters from Duguri and Gwana districts was ambushed by the armed bandits, leading to a violent confrontation.
The hunters were on a routine patrol in the Dajin Madam forest, near the Bauchi-Plateau border, when they came under attack.
According to the police, the ambush led to several fatalities, including members of the local vigilante group and civilians.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased included both quasi-security operatives and civilians from Sabuwar Sara village, who were mercilessly shot by the bandits while attempting to flee,” the statement read.
Following the report to the Alkaleri Divisional Police Headquarters, tactical teams were promptly deployed to secure the area and recover the bodies.
“A specialised unit has since been assigned to track down the attackers and bring them to justice,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, who visited the scene on Monday, condemned the attack, calling it “utterly reprehensible” and a significant threat to the state’s peace and security.
During his visit, Aliyu assured residents that the Command was dedicated to locating and prosecuting the perpetrators.
He also met with community leaders, urging them to remain calm, stay vigilant, and cooperate with law enforcement officers.