Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has confirmed that 21 villagers were killed during a recent bandit attack on Mansur village in Alkaleri Local Government Area, while security forces neutralised over 60 of the attackers in a fierce gun battle.

Speaking during a condolence visit to the affected community on Thursday, Governor Mohammed said the victims included 13 vigilante members and 10 civilians.

He described the attack, which occurred two weeks ago, as a major security threat but commended the bravery of the vigilantes and security forces who repelled the assailants.

“As they inflicted serious loss on us, over 60 of them died too in the fierce battle,” the governor stated.

“Despite their superior firepower, our young vigilantes and security agencies showed exceptional courage.”

Mohammed extended condolences on behalf of the state and the Federal Government, stating that he is collaborating with the Office of the National Security Adviser to prevent further attacks in the region.

“We are here on behalf of the government to commiserate with this community, especially those in Alkaleri, Gwana, Duguri, Yelwan Duguri, and parts of Bauchi Local Government,” he said.

To support affected families, the governor announced N5 million for each family of the slain vigilantes and N3 million for the families of the deceased civilians. An additional N20 million will be disbursed for vigilante logistics.

Governor Mohammed also disclosed plans to recruit over 2,100 vigilantes before the end of the year, starting with 300 to 500 from the most affected areas.

He assured that the recruits would receive proper training and be placed on a minimum wage structure to ensure professionalism and avoid abuse.

He urged traditional rulers to expose informants aiding criminal activities in their communities assuring residents of the government’s commitment to protect lives and property.

“These people have come to the wrong place,” Mohammed declared. “If it comes to a point where I have to throw away this ‘Babanriga’ and join you, I will join you, In Sha Allah.”

Ekwutosblog reports that armed men suspected to be bandits launched a deadly attack two weeks ago, killing several vigilante members and civilians in a coordinated assault on three villages in Gwana District, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

Our reporter gathered that the affected communities — Mansur, Digare, Sabuwar Sara, and Yalo — were attacked while residents were asleep.

Most of the victims were members of local vigilante groups from Gwana and Duguri districts, who had been safeguarding their communities from repeated attacks along the volatile borders with Gombe, Plateau and Taraba states.