At least nine people, possibly more, have been reported killed after armed bandits ambushed a patrol team of local hunters in the forest areas between Bauchi and Plateau States.
The victims, mostly members of a hunters’ patrol team from Duguri and Gwana districts in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, were on routine patrol early Saturday morning when they were attacked in the Dajin Madam forest near Mansur village.
The bandits also opened fire on fleeing residents of nearby Sabuwar Sara village, killing an unspecified number of civilians. Some bandits were reportedly killed in the shootout, but the exact number of casualties remains unclear.
Police authorities in Bauchi State confirmed the attack but did not provide an official death toll. However, local sources say between nine and fifteen people may have lost their lives.
In a statement released on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Wakil, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, had visited the area and ordered a full-scale investigation.
“On May 4, at about 5:40 a.m., hunters patrolling Duguri, Mansur, and Dajin Madam forests were ambushed by armed bandits,” Wakil said. “Both the hunters and some bandits lost their lives in the attack. Civilians from Sabuwar Sara village were also killed while trying to escape.”
Following the incident, tactical teams were deployed to the area, and police say they have recovered bodies and launched efforts to identify and arrest those responsible.
CP Aliyu condemned the killings and urged residents to remain calm and support security efforts. He also assured affected families that the police are working to bring the attackers to justice.
The attack highlights the growing insecurity in the forest belt that borders Bauchi and Plateau states, where communities have faced increasing threats from armed groups.
