Bandit leader Jiji killed in clash with vigilantes in Zamfara, Nigeria
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Vanguard
Over 40 people, including suspected bandits and vigilantes, were reportedly killed in a clash in Zoma village, near Bukkuyum in Zamfara, Nigeria. Among the dead is reportedly bandit leader Jiji, and nine vigilantes reportedly died, according to a local resident cited by BBC Hausa and relayed by Vanguard.
More than 40 people, including suspected bandits and local vigilantes, were reportedly killed in an armed clash in the community of Zoma, in the Bukkuyum local government area of Zamfara State, Nigeria. According to a BBC Hausa report relayed by Vanguard, fighting broke out on Wednesday 11 November after an armed group attacked the community and vigilantes mobilised to repel it.
Among the dead is reportedly a well-known bandit commander, nicknamed Jiji. A resident of Zoma, who asked not to be named, says the clashes lasted from 8.30am to noon and that nine vigilantes were killed. According to him, an informant warned the attackers of the mobilisation before the confrontation escalated.
Another resident says the attackers arrived from the east of Zoma and were already terrorising neighbouring localities. The victims were buried on Wednesday. One resident calls for aid and weapons so that he can confront the armed men himself.
Meanwhile, suspected bandits operating in the Dansadau area of the same state reportedly impose taxes on residents of the communities they control, according to reports.
On 1 November, a clash in Bukkuyum had already killed more than 30 bandits in the same administrative area.
