Several local vigilantes have been killed in an ambush by armed bandits near the Bauchi–Plateau border, the Bauchi State Police Command said on Monday, May 5.
Police spokesperson Ahmed Wakil confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that the attack took place early Saturday morning and was reported to the Alkaleri Divisional Headquarters by 9:40 a.m. on Sunday.
“On 4th May 2025, at about 09:40 hours, the Command received a report from Alkaleri Divisional Police Headquarters regarding an incident that occurred earlier that same day at about 05:40 hours,” Wakil said.
He explained that a combined patrol team of hunters from Duguri and Gwana districts was ambushed by armed bandits while on routine patrol through Duguri, Mansur, and the Dajin Madam forest, which lies along the Bauchi–Plateau boundary.
“This confrontation resulted in numerous casualties on both sides, including members of the vigilante group and the bandits themselves,” Wakil added.
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A tactical police team was deployed to the area and recovered the bodies of the deceased. Preliminary investigations revealed that some of the victims, including civilians from Sabuwar Sara village, were shot while attempting to flee.
Wakil said a special operations unit has been assigned to track down those responsible for the attack.
Meanwhile, Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, visited leaders of the affected communities to express his condolences.
“The Commissioner characterised these acts as utterly reprehensible and a significant threat to the peace and security of the state and assured the area in Full-Scale to bring the perpetrators to book,” Wakil stated.
The police have yet to disclose the number of fatalities, though varying figures are circulating on social media.