A pre-dawn vigilante operation intended to rescue suspected kidnap victims ended in tragedy on Thursday when members of a self-initiated vigilante group opened fire on local residents in Sandi Village, Gulani Local Government Area.
The team, reportedly from Damaturu and led by two individuals identified as Danshuwa and Umar Birnigadam, arrived in the village around 4:30 a.m. without coordinating with or informing the nearest police division in Bara.
According to eyewitnesses and police statements, the vigilantes went directly to a location they believed was linked to a kidnapping. In the ensuing confrontation, they shot two villagers:
- Ahmed Shuwa, 37 – who later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital
- Muhammad Bello, 27 – who sustained gunshot wounds and is receiving treatment
The vigilantes also arrested one resident, Alhaji Lawan, and seized a motorcycle and a bicycle from the scene before leaving the village.
Community members immediately rushed the victims to the Specialist Hospital in Bara, but Ahmed Shuwa was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The Yobe State Police Command confirmed the incident and criticized the vigilantes for operating without any form of coordination with law enforcement.“The vigilantes acted independently and did not notify the police division in the area before proceeding with the operation, during which the fatal shooting occurred,” a spokesman said.
Police investigators have visited the scene, and a full investigation is underway to establish the exact circumstances of the shooting. Authorities say those responsible will be identified and made to face the law.
The Command has urged vigilante and community security groups across the state to always work in close collaboration with the police to avoid such avoidable tragedies, assuring residents that justice will be served and measures taken to prevent future occurrences.
Community members immediately rushed the victims to the Specialist Hospital in Bara, but Ahmed Shuwa was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The Yobe State Police Command confirmed the incident and criticized the vigilantes for operating without any form of coordination with law enforcement.“The vigilantes acted independently and did not notify the police division in the area before proceeding with the operation, during which the fatal shooting occurred,” a spokesman said.
Police investigators have visited the scene, and a full investigation is underway to establish the exact circumstances of the shooting. Authorities say those responsible will be identified and made to face the law.
The Command has urged vigilante and community security groups across the state to always work in close collaboration with the police to avoid such avoidable tragedies, assuring residents that justice will be served and measures taken to prevent future occurrences.
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