No fewer than 25 people have lost their lives in a brutal ambush by suspected bandits on a team of local vigilantes in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The bloodbath unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, May 4, 2025, when professional hunters from the Duguri and Gwana districts were on a routine patrol deep within the dense Dajin Madam forest—a notorious haven for criminal elements located on the Bauchi-Plateau border.
According to Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Ahmed Wakil, the vigilantes were ambushed around 5:40 a.m. during an early morning security sweep along the Duguri-Mansur-Dajin Madam axis.
“In the ensuing confrontation, nine gallant members of the vigilante team were killed in action. Five of the armed attackers were also neutralised, while 11 innocent civilians—believed to have been kidnapped from Sabuwar Sara village—were tragically caught in the crossfire and killed,” Wakil revealed in a solemn statement.
He added that a tactical police team was swiftly deployed to the area following a distress call received at 9:40 a.m. The operatives recovered the remains of the victims, and preliminary investigations suggest that some of the civilians died while attempting to escape the bandits’ onslaught.
“The Bauchi State Police Command has launched a full-scale manhunt for the perpetrators,” Wakil assured. “We are determined to track down and bring to justice all those involved in this despicable act.”
Reacting to the devastating incident, Governor Bala Mohammed described the ambush as “a heinous and senseless act of cowardice.” In a statement issued by his media aide, Mukhtar Gidado, the governor conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the wider communities affected by the attack.
Governor Mohammed paid glowing tributes to the fallen hunters, hailing their bravery and selfless service in protecting their communities.
“This tragedy is a painful reminder of the mounting security challenges confronting our rural communities,” the governor stated. “We must unite against these criminal elements. I urge all residents to remain vigilant and provide credible intelligence to security agencies. Our government remains committed to stamping out banditry and restoring peace to every corner of Bauchi State.”
The state government reaffirmed its resolve to deepen collaboration with federal security forces to strengthen surveillance and maintain law and order across volatile regions.
As the community mourns its dead, the tragedy has once again highlighted the enormous risks faced by local vigilantes and the urgent need for enhanced security infrastructure to protect vulnerable populations in Nigeria’s conflict-prone hinterlands.
PIONEER NEWS 