A member of a local vigilante group, Hambali Sa’adu, has been killed following an ambush by suspected armed bandits at the Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State.
The incident was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Abubakar, in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the incident occurred on Sunday at about 1:30pm along the Bakin Layi axis of the reserve, when a joint patrol team comprising police officers from the Mai-Ari Outpost and members of a local vigilante group came under heavy gunfire from bandits who had laid an ambush.
During the attack, the deceased, a 27-year-old indigene of Mai-Ari Village in Maimadi Ward, sustained fatal gunshot wounds. He was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor, and his remains were buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
The police said the security team regrouped after the initial assault and launched a counterattack against the assailants.
“In a show of courage, the joint security team pursued the fleeing bandits and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. The superior firepower and tactical response forced the bandits to retreat, with several escaping with suspected gunshot wounds,” the statement said.
The command added that four of the bandits were killed during the exchange of gunfire, while four other suspects were arrested and are currently in custody undergoing investigation.
Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commiserated with the family of the deceased and the Mai-Ari community, describing the late vigilante as a brave patriot who paid the ultimate price in defence of his people.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling banditry and other violent crimes, ordering intensified bush-combing operations around Yankari Game Reserve.
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