Eight Feared Dead as Vigilantes Retaliate Killing of Leader in Sokoto

• Retaliatory attack in Sokoto state resulted in the killing of eight Fulanis by Yan Sakai following their leader’s murder
• The incident occurred after Alhaji Dahiru Gidan Hashimu was allegedly killed, prompting clashes and destruction of Fulani settlements

In a retaliatory attack following the murder of their leader by suspected bandits, eight Fulanis were reportedly killed by Yan Sakai in the Gada local government area of Sokoto state. The incident occurred last Thursday and resulted in the destruction of several Fulani settlements.

The slain leader, identified as Alhaji Dahiru Gidan Hashimu, was allegedly killed by a suspect at Kasuwan Kara (cattle market) in the area. Eyewitness Mustapha Gada recounted that the leader intercepted the suspect on his way to the local cattle market with his tribesmen. The suspect resisted arrest and fatally stabbed the vigilante leader, leading to his demise.

Upon hearing of their leader’s death, his colleagues mobilized and attacked the market, indiscriminately killing any Fulani they encountered. About eight Fulani corpses were reportedly found and later deposited at the mortuary.

The situation escalated further as the Yan Sakai, numbering about 100, attempted to set fire to the police station where some Fulanis sought refuge. Security operatives intervened swiftly, with soldiers surrounding the police station and dispersing the attackers. However, the vigilantes proceeded to raze down all Fulani settlements in the area.

“When the news about his death reached his colleagues, they mobilized and stormed the market, killing any Fulani man on sight.

“We counted about eight corpses of fulanis which were later deposited at the mortuary.

“It was the quick intervention of security operatives that saved the situation because the Yan Sakai who were about 100 wanted to set the police station where some of the Fulanis ran into ablaze.

“Soldiers surrounded the police station and dispersed them. However, the vigilantes razed down all the Fulanis settlements in the area,” our sources said.

Confirming the incident, the Police Command spokesperson, ASP Ahmed Rufa’i, stated that six individuals lost their lives during the violent confrontation. The police investigate the matter to ascertain its underlying causes and bring the perpetrators to justice.