by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Bandits allegedly ‘invited’ by Fulanis on Saturday, reportedly attacked six communities and killed 30 people in Tangaza local government area of Sokoto State, the seat of Islamic caliphate.

The State Police Command has already confirmed the attack, which occurred at Raka, Bilingawa, Raka Dutse, Jaba, Dabagi and Tsalewa villages, respectively.

This was contained in an official statement signed by the Acting State Police Command spokesman, ASP Ahmad Rufai, and made available to newsmen on Sunday.

According to the statement, members of vigilante from Raka and Bilingawa went to Azam Village and warned the villagers, who are predominantly Fulanis, to stop attacking their villages.

“The vigilantes started beating up some villagers. The Fulanis consequently sought assistance, who turned out to be armed men suspected to be bandits from Azam. The armed men went to the village on about 20 motorcycles.

“The vigilante withdrew to their various villages and the bandits went after them and killed eight people in Raka, seven in Bilingawa, six in Jaba, four in Dabai, three in Raka Dutse and two in Tsalewa villages.

“They also set two vehicles and six huts ablaze and six huts also set ablaze. One Bajaj motorcycle strongly believed to belong to the bandits was recovered at the scene,” the statement reads.