The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed that it recovered six bodies after a bloody confrontation between the vigilantes and suspected Fulani bandits on Thursday in the Gada weekly market.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Ahmed Rufa’i, confirmed the incident which he said the police were still investigating.
“I can confirm to you that, we recovered six bodies suspected to be of Fulanis killed by the vigilantes left unattended on the market day on Thursday in Gada town.”
Also confirming the attacks, Hon Kabiru Gada, a legislator in the State Assembly, said: “The report at my disposal shows that many people were killed while some sustained injuries from gunshots.
“Yes, I can confirm to you that many lives were lost on the fateful day, but as for reprisal, I have not gotten any report yet. I am still trying to make enquiries. I was informed about the Thursday market incident that occurred between the Fulanis and the vigilante group at Gada Central Market.
“As I am talking to you, I am on my way to the area to ascertain the level of casualties and as well console families of those who lost their lives during the unfortunate clash.”
The incident, according to eyewitnesses, started when a leader of the Gidan Hashimu village vigilantes wanted to arrest a suspected cattle rustler seen loitering in the market, but the move was resisted by the Fulani group around the market.
The suspected bandits at the height of the crisis shot and killed the vigilante leader which sparked reprisal by members of the vigilantes.
According to the source, before the arrival of the police team to the market, more than six people have been killed.
He said after the killing of the vigilante leader, his deputy who immediately succeeded him was also shot and killed at Gidan Jawo village by suspected Fulanis.
The vigilantes, being provoked by the killing of their two leaders, went on reprisal attacks on Fulani communities in the area where over 50 people were alleged to have been summarily executed.
