Seven Traders shot dead, others injured as gunmen reportedly invade Market

Suspected bandits attacked the Ngalda livestock and major market in Yobe State’s Fika Local Government Area, killing at least seven people—mostly traders—and injuring eleven more.

Around 6 p.m., the attackers opened fire indiscriminately while robbing stores and cattle dealers during the weekly market in Ngalda, the Fika LG headquarters.

Dauda Yakubu Damazai, a social media aide to the Fika LG Chairman, confirmed the casualties, telling Daily Trust that the seven victims were local traders from both the main and cattle markets, who tragically lost their lives in the attack.

“Yesterday evening (Monday), the Ngalda cattle and main market was attacked by unknown gunmen. Seven innocent people were killed by the attackers.

“At least eleven people sustained injuries. They were rushed to the General Hospital, Fika for medical treatment. Thank God three of the bandits were killed by the security agencies and vigilantes.

“The council chairman of Fika LG, Hon Audu Bukar Gadaka, had paid a sympathy visit to the victims and prayed for Allah to forgive them and wished quick recovery to those who are hospitalised,’’ he said.

Confirming the attack, the Police Public Relations Officer in Yobe State, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, revealed that a group of six armed robbers, led by Datti Alhaji Dadji from Ngalda town, carried out the assault.

The attack resulted in seven deaths and 11 injuries. The robbers also made off with an estimated N16.5 million.

“In response, the people of Ngalda town mobilised and killed three of the robbers, while three others escaped with injuries.

“The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) led a team of patrol officers to Alhaji Dadji’s house, where they recovered a locally made pistol with three cartridges. Alhaji Dadji was arrested and is currently in police custody, facing interrogation as the investigation unfolds.

“The victims and corpses were evacuated to the General Hospital Fika for medical treatment and autopsy. The Commissioner of Police, CP Garba Ahmed, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and called for calm,” he added.

Notorious Cultist on Police’s wanted list shot dead in cult clash

About a week after four people were killed in a cult-related clash in Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area in Ondo State, a 40-year-old suspected cultist was killed on Sunday.

The suspected cultist, Nasir Isiaka, who was described as notorious, was shot at close range in the Gbanasa area of the town by two masked men.

While confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the police command in the state, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, stated that Isiaka had been on police’s wanted list due to his alleged involvement in violent crimes in the state.

According to her: “On getting to the scene, the police discovered that the deceased was a cultist who participated in the #EndSARS protests, attacked the Uso Division, and stole an AK-47 and bulletproof vest belonging to the police.

“He also participated in the killing of one Adedeji Rafiu, aka PA. His remains have been deposited in the mortuary by the police, and efforts are underway to apprehend the men behind the mask.”

Three Residents shot dead by suspected cult members in night attack

Armed Cultists suspected to be members of the Greenlanders, on Wednesday night, invaded Igbogene Community a suburb of Yenagoa , the Bayelsa capital, allegedly killing three persons.

The cult boys, numbering about 10 and allegedly armed with dangerous weapons, were said to have invaded the community at about 8pm, causing residents to scamper for safety.

A resident, who preferred anonymity, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Correspondent on Thursday, that the first person shot dead was the son of the former head of the Community Vigilante Group.

According to him, he was shot close to his house. While the second person, who was not a cultist, was shot when he could not disclose the whereabout of his elder brother.

Investigations show that the attack was sparked off by rivalry between two notorious cult groups, the Bobos and Greenlanders; while the cultists involved in the fight are residents and indigenes of the community.

Also speaking, the Youth President of the Igbogene Community, Mr Ezekiel Igbenivie, who confirmed the development, said those involved had absconded, but “one of the persons shot is still alive and receiving treatment in the hospital.”

The arrival of the Police teams of operation  Door Kapoor Division, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad and the Rapid Response Team calmed down the situation.

The Spokesman of the Bayelsa Police Command, DSP Musa Mohammed, who also confirmed the incident, said those shot included: Donaldson Mison, 28; Addy Mulan, 27; and Greenboy Dudella, 29. (NAN)