2 arrested as clashes erupt in Sokoto market

The Police Command in Sokoto State, has confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection to the recent altercation between suspected bandits and vigilantes in the Gada Local Government Area of the state.

ASP Ahmed Rufai, the command’s Public Relations Officer, revealed this while speaking with our correspondent in a telephone conversation on Sunday.

The state police command had confirmed the killing of 6 persons in a clash between suspected bandits and vigilantes, locally known as Yan Sakai in Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

According to sources in the area, the vigilantes, were said to have avenged the killing of their leader, one Alhaji Dahiru, by a suspected bandit.

Eyewitnesses told reporter that the incident started when a leader of the Gidan Hashimu village vigilantes made a move to arrest and interrogate a notorious cattle rustler seen loitering in the market. The move was resisted by the Fulani’s group around the market.

Meanwhile, while speaking with our correspondent, Rufai said the two suspects were arrested on Sunday morning.

“We arrested two suspects this morning in connection with the Gada incident. The two suspects were arrested with a Dane gun and three cows.

“They are from one village in Goronyo Local Government Area of the state. Through our initial investigation, the two of them have confessed to the crime.

“They also promised to give more details about the fleeing suspects which we hope will lead to their possible arrest as well as prosecution in accordance with the rule of law.”