The Katsina State Government says community hunters killed 14 suspected bandits during an attack on travellers in Bakori Local Government Area on Friday.

Two people, including a hunter and a traveller who was reportedly burnt to death inside his vehicle, died during the incident. Another hunter sustained gunshot injuries.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, 23 October.

According to the commissioner, security authorities received intelligence at about 1:28 a.m. that 26 armed men on 13 motorcycles were moving toward Dawan Laila forest in Bakori.

He identified the suspected leader as Isiya Kwashen Garwa. He said security personnel in the local government area were placed on alert over intelligence suggesting a planned mass abduction in neighbouring communities.

Mr Mu’azu said the authorities subsequently received reports at about 1:31 p.m. that the armed men had attacked travellers from Kakumi Ward who were heading to Illela market in Sokoto State.

The attackers reportedly set ablaze a private vehicle belonging to Jamilu Lawal, 50, who was travelling with three other people.

The commissioner said hunters from Gidan Wawo village, Kakumi Ward, mobilised to confront the attackers, resulting in a gun battle.

He said 14 suspected bandits were killed during the confrontation, while three of the travellers were rescued.

However, Mr Lawal was burnt inside the vehicle, according to the statement.

A 29-year-old hunter, Mohammed Jidda, was also killed, while another hunter, Usman Sunday, 25, sustained minor gunshot injuries and was receiving treatment.

The government did not explain how the traveller became trapped in the burning vehicle or whether the reported deaths of the suspected bandits had been independently confirmed by security agencies.

The casualty figures could not be independently verified by PREMIUM TIMES.

Government warns of possible reprisal attack

Mr Mu’azu said intelligence reports indicated that the armed group might launch a reprisal attack following the confrontation.

READ ALSO: Inside Zamfara communities, where residents bear brunt of reprisal attacks by bandits

He said the state government was working with security agencies to prevent further attacks in the area.

The commissioner did not disclose the specific security measures introduced, but assured residents that the authorities were responding to the reported threat.

He commended the community hunters for confronting the attackers and urged residents to provide security agencies with credible information.

The government also appealed to residents to remain calm.

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Hunters kill 14 bandits in Bakori attack, two residents die

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