A handful of bandits have been reportedly killed during heavy fighting in what was referred to as 'supremacy battle' between rival groups around Hayin Alhaji and Munhaye forest in the Tsafe Local Government Area in Zamfara State. A local, Mohammed Sanda who spoke to journalists about the development said a group of bandits from the neighbouring katsina state had invaded some communities in zamfara with the intention of kidnapping locals. However, a notorious bandit kingpin, Ado Alero, who is an indigene of the area, intervened and tried to prevent the rival group from operating. Sanda added that the two bandit groups engaged in a supremacy battle on Saturday, leading to many casualties from both camps.
He added that there were over 20 motorcycles abandoned by the bandits at the place where the fight took place.
“Some bandits who came from Katsina State invaded some communities between Tafkin Kazai and Munhaye village around 5 p.m., Saturday evening trying to abduct the residents of the area," he said.
“While they were in the area, another group of bandits led by Ado Alero came to the place in a bid to protect the residents.
“The two bandit groups exchanged words and finally began to shoot at each other, while the residents ran for their dear lives.
“As we were running, the bandits’ leader, Ado Alero told us not to panic and asked us to remain where we were.
“The two groups fought for several hours during which many of them were killed and when we returned to the area early morning of today (Sunday). We saw many corpses and several motorcycles.”
“As I am speaking to you, many people are trooping to this place to see the corpses and the abandoned motorcycles,” Sanda added.
Sanda narrated further that the communities were looking into the possibility of giving a mass burial for the dead bandits.
“We may dig a big grave and bury the dead bodies before they decompose.”
The spokesperson for the state police command, Yazid Abubakar when contacted for comments said he was not aware of the incident.
“I am not aware of this, but it is a very important development. God is answering our prayers in the fight against banditry,” said Abubakar.
