Bandits kill vigilante commander, six colleagues in Zamfara

Bandits have killed a vigilante commander, Danmudi Na Mada and six members of his group in Mada community, Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara state in what is suspected to be a reprisal. 

It was gathered that residents of the community have fled following the attack which occurred on Sunday night, April 23. 

Yusuf Anka, a resident told premium Times that the vigilante commander led his colleagues to attack a hideout of the bandits and killed one notorious bandit known as Mala’ikan Hausawa (Angel of death in Hausa).

Mr Anka said the killing of the bandit angered other bandits which led to the reprisal.

“Last week Dan-Mudi’s group recorded the killing of a notorious bandit leader nicknamed ‘Mala’ikan Hausawa’, he was also recently accused of setting ablaze homes of innocent Fulani in Tsafe,” Anka said.

The slain Vigilante leader was praised for securing Hausa communities, especially Mada and Wonaka but it was also alleged that he was involved in the killing of innocent Fulanis in the area.

A local source who asked not to be named over concern for his safety said the bandits attacked the vigilante members around 10:47 pm.

“The bandits wanted to take over Mada town Wanakat stiff resistance from the vigilante members. The exchange of gunfire between them lasted for hours before they overpowered the vigilante and killed seven of them. They however couldn’t get into the town after the arrival of soldiers and policemen,” he said.

The source added that most of the residents of the community have fled.

“We don’t know what will happen this night because they (bandits) may decide to return to take over the town. They are angry with the way some of our people are providing information to vigilante members which sometimes leads to the capture and Killing of the bandits. Even last week, some of them were captured and killed by the vigilante members. They (bandits) see us as their enemies,” he said.