By Amina Abdullahi Girbo
Not fewer than nine members of a local vigilante group, popularly known as Yan Ba Beli in Bauchi State, have been killed by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.
The Yan Ba Beli were killed in the forest of Gamji village while in search of bandits who have been terrorising the communities in Ningi LGA, killing and kidnapping innocent people for ransom.
The gunmen attacked the Yan Ba Beli during an ambush and succeeded in killing nine of them, while a few others were injured.
The incident happened on Sunday, late in the evening, when the Yan Ba Beli were climbing the rocks around Gamji village in search of the bandits harbouring in the forest with the intention of neutralising them.
A member of the local vigilantes in the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the bandits laid a well-coordinated ambush for them in the forest into which they fell.
He added that as soon as they fell into the ambush, the bandits opened fire with superior weapons and overpowered the Yan Ba Beli, killing nine of them instantly and injuring others.
The Caretaker Chairman of Ningi LGA, Hon. Ibrahim Zubairu Mato, confirmed the incident and condemned it, assuring that the government will continue to do everything possible to protect innocent lives and properties in the area.
As of the time of filing this report, the State Police Command has not responded to inquiries made about the development, as the PPRO did not respond to SMS and WhatsApp messages sent to his mobile number.