An ambush by armed bandits on a patrol team of professional hunters in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State has left many dead, including local residents fleeing the violence.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday, May 4, 2025, as the hunters from Duguri and Gwana Districts were conducting a routine patrol along Duguri, Mansur, and the Dajin Madam forest — an area bordering Bauchi and Plateau States. The patrol team encountered heavy gunfire from the bandits, resulting in casualties on both sides.
In a statement released on Monday, Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the attack but did not provide an exact death toll. However, residents report that between nine and fifteen people may have been killed, including members of the hunter team and villagers from Sabuwar Sara, who were shot while trying to flee.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Wakil, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, had visited the affected area and deployed tactical teams to restore security. He described the killings as tragic and condemned the bandits’ actions, calling it a “heinous crime.”
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased include both vigilante operatives and civilians from Sabuwar Sara village,” Wakil said, adding that operational teams had recovered bodies from the scene.
Wakil further stated that a full-scale investigation has been launched, with efforts underway to track down those responsible. He called on residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies.
The police commissioner also extended condolences to the bereaved families and reassured the public of the command’s commitment to restoring peace and bringing the attackers to justice.
Nzubechukwu Eze.
