Details have emerged regarding the death of notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Yellow Danbokolo, over the weekend in Zamfara State, following a gun battle with the Shinkafi Volunteer Forces.
Kachalla Yellow’s death has been widely celebrated across Zamfara State and other North-Western states, where he was feared as one of the most dangerous bandits in the region. Locals even considered him more menacing than his cousin, Bello Turji, whom they regarded as merely a spokesperson.
Security sources revealed that Kachalla Yellow and over 173 bandits were killed in a surprise assault launched by the volunteer forces.
The sources further disclosed that Kachalla Yellow, who sustained severe gunshot injuries during the attack, succumbed to his wounds over the weekend and was buried on Saturday.
Residents of Kurya District in Shinkafi Local Government Area, who had endured years of terror under his reign, were among those celebrating his death and the defeat of his fighters.
A villager said, “We are in a serious celebration mood. It is hard to believe that Danbokolo, a man whose name used to strike fear in our hearts, is no more. I can authoritatively tell you that Danbokolo is the man behind the mask. He is the overall commander. Turji merely communicates while the dreaded Danbokolo is the executioner of all evil.
“Not only Danbokolo was killed; at least 173 bandits loyal to him have been killed and buried within the week and several of them have fled the community. We see them running away after every raid on their hideouts.”
Another resident confirmed that “known loyalists of Turji are now in a state of fear and confusion, and that some are now seeking to surrender as they see the end in sight”.
He said, “This is the first time we believe that these bandits will soon be gone for good. Bello Turji has no hiding place. Knowing that his days are numbered, he and some of his foot soldiers have begun to desperately beg for amnesty. ”
The source said locals including farmers have expressed hopes that they won’t have to pay taxes to bandits in this farming season.