Bauch, Nigeria — Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has approved a donation of N100m to support families of vigilantes and villagers who were recently ambushed and killed by bandits.
The governor made the announcement on Thursday during a condolence visit to Duguri, Gwana, Yelwa Duguri, and other affected communities in the Alkaleri Local Government Area, following a deadly ambush by armed bandits along the Dajin Malam forest, near the Bauchi-Plateau border.
According to the Bauchi State Police Command, the attack occurred on May 4, 2025, when a combined team of local hunters and vigilantes from Duguri and Gwana Districts encountered an ambush during a patrol.
The confrontation led to multiple casualties, including 13 vigilantes, 10 civilians, and several bandits.
Expressing deep sorrow, Governor Bala described the slain vigilantes 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 show of chivalry and courage. They stood firm for their people,” he said.
As part of immediate relief efforts, the governor announced that each family of the deceased vigilantes would receive N5m, while families of the deceased civilians would receive N3m.
An additional N10m was provided to the vigilante groups as an initial operational fund, with another N10m allocated for logistics, including fuel procureme.
The governor inaugurated a committee led by the Local Government Chairman and composed of traditional rulers and security agencies to ensure the equitable distribution of the funds.
Governor Mohammed disclosed plans to recruit 2,100 new vigilante members before the end of the year, starting with 300 to 500 immediate hires from the worst-hit communities.
The recruits will undergo training under the supervision of security agencies, with a clear code of conduct to avoid extrajudicial actions.
“We will interact on rules of engagement to ensure accountability and avoid misuse of power,” he said.
He charged traditional leaders to assist in identifying and exposing informants aiding bandits.
“They are the real saboteurs, worse than the criminals coming from outside. We must fish them out and deal with them decisively through legal means,” he declared.
Also speaking during the visit, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, represented by DCP Muhammad Hassan, confirmed that security agencies are actively responding to the situation.
“Since receiving the report, we informed the governor and Abuja. We’re working with the communities and vigilantes across all LGAs to curb the threat. Additional personnel and equipment are being deployed to enhance security operations,” he said.
The governor reiterated the state’s readiness to confront insecurity head-on, stating, “These criminals have come to the wrong place. We are ready to sacrifice our lives so our people can live.”
Margret Oshinowo | May 16, 2025
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