6 Dead as Local Vigilantes Attack Fulanis in Retaliation for Leader's Death in Sokoto

At least six people have died following a violent response by local vigilantes to the killing of their leader in the Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State, northwest Nigeria. 

The deceased leader, Alhaji Dahiru Gidan Hashimu, was fatally attacked by a suspected terrorist at the Kasuwan Kara (cattle market) according to reports.

Mustapha Gada, who is familiar with the events, stated that Alhaji Dahiru, who led the Yan Sakai vigilante group, had confronted the suspect while heading to the market with his tribesmen. The suspect allegedly resisted arrest and fatally stabbed the vigilante leader.

The killing of Alhaji Dahiru triggered a brutal retaliation from his fellow vigilantes. “Upon hearing of his death, they organized and launched a vengeful assault on the market, indiscriminately killing Fulani men they encountered,” Mustapha Gada explained. 

He added, "We saw about eight dead bodies of Fulanis which were later taken to the mortuary."

The situation escalated quickly, with the enraged vigilantes, numbering around a hundred, attempting to burn down a police station where some Fulanis had sought refuge. “The quick arrival of security forces prevented further chaos. Soldiers secured the station and dispersed the mob, but not before the vigilantes had destroyed all Fulani settlements in the vicinity,” another source reported.

ASP Ahmed Rufa’i, speaking for the state police, confirmed that six individuals were killed during the turmoil. He noted, “Investigations are ongoing to determine the underlying causes of the incident and to hold responsible parties accountable.”