Gunmen suspected of being kidnappers stormed three villages in Bauchi State's Alkaleri LGA, killing one and injuring three.
A resident of Garin Sambo village in the LGA's Gwana District told journalists that the bandits stormed the village around 1 a.m. on Friday with the intention of kidnapping one Idi, popularly known as 'Bobi,' a commercial bus driver.
He added that their attempt to flee with their target failed, but they killed one person and injured three others, who he said are being treated at the Futuk General Hospital.
The bandits, he claims, scared residents away by shooting sporadically, but the villagers resisted, forcing the bandits to flee into nearby hills and bushes.
Usman Bawa, another resident, stated, "I was sleeping when I heard shouts and later sounds of bullets." Initially, I assumed they were cattle thieves who had infiltrated the community because they had stolen our cows on two previous occasions."
"I tried to come out, but my wife stopped me, but I managed to free myself from her, came out, and joined the other villagers in facing the bandits." They were shooting at us, but we pursued them until they fled into nearby hills and bushes," he added.
"We did not allow them to take anyone away," he continued, "but we lost one Umar, a gentleman and hardworking member of the community."
They have destabilized us, but we will not allow them to bring anyone else here; enough is enough."
The villagers then appealed to the government for assistance, claiming that the bandits have hidden areas within the hills and forest that surround the village.