President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Bauchi State following the recent deadly bandit attacks in Alkaleri Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of 23 people. The President’s message was delivered by a delegation led by Senator Shehu Buba Umar, who represents Bauchi South, during a visit to Governor Bala Mohammed at the Government House in Bauchi on Thursday. Senator Umar conveyed the President’s deep concern over the tragic loss of lives and destruction of property, assuring the Governor of the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the state in tackling security challenges. In response, Governor Bala Mohammed expressed gratitude for the President’s gesture, describing it as a morale booster for the people of Bauchi State. He commended Senator Umar for leading the delegation and emphasized the importance of the President’s concern for the safety and welfare of the state's residents. A closed-door meeting was held between the delegation and the Governor to explore enhanced security collaboration between federal and state authorities.
In a separate development, Governor Mohammed announced a donation of N100 million to assist the families of vigilantes and civilians who lost their lives in the attacks. The announcement was made during his condolence visit to Duguri, Gwana, Yelwa Duguri, and other affected communities in Alkaleri LGA, following a fatal ambush near the Dajin Malam forest, close to the Bauchi-Plateau border.
According to the Bauchi State Police Command, the incident occurred on May 4, 2025, when a patrol team of local hunters and vigilantes from Duguri and Gwana Districts was ambushed by armed bandits. The confrontation led to the deaths of 13 vigilantes, 10 civilians, and several of the attackers.
Governor Mohammed paid tribute to the slain vigilantes, hailing them as courageous defenders of their communities. “We lost 21 people—10 civilians and about 13 vigilante members. Their sacrifice in the face of superior firepower is a testament to their bravery,” he stated.
As part of the immediate relief measures, the Governor announced financial support: N5 million for each family of the fallen vigilantes, N3 million for each deceased civilian’s family, N10 million for the vigilante groups’ operations, and an additional N10 million for logistics.
He also inaugurated a committee comprising traditional rulers, security agencies, and the Local Government Chairman to ensure transparent distribution of the funds. Looking ahead, Governor Mohammed unveiled plans to recruit 2,100 new vigilante personnel, with an initial intake of 300 to 500 from the most affected communities. These recruits will undergo training under security agency supervision, with clear guidelines to prevent abuse and ensure accountability.
The Governor urged traditional leaders to help expose informants aiding bandits, whom he described as “saboteurs worse than the attackers.” He pledged to confront insecurity head-on: “These criminals have come to the wrong place. We are prepared to sacrifice for our people’s safety.”
Also present during the Governor’s visit, Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, represented by DCP Muhammad Hassan, confirmed that security forces are actively responding. He reported that additional personnel and resources are being deployed to enhance security operations in collaboration with local communities and vigilantes across the state.