Niger gang leader nabbed after violent clash

Police in Kontagora Local Government Area, Niger State, have arrested Bilal Aliyu, the alleged leader of the Sara-Suka gang, following a violent confrontation that resulted in one fatality.

A violent incident occurred on Wednesday in Kontagora, involving members of the Sara-Suka gang and vigilante corps, resulting in the death of Abdulkadir Musa and injuries to five others.

Abdullahi Yahaya, a resident who witnessed the incident, described the terrifying experience on Thursday, stating that the clash between the hoodlums and vigilantes left numerous residents in a state of trauma, with the attackers brandishing dangerous weapons.

He said, “I don’t know what led to the fight but both the hoodlums and the vigilantes were carrying dangerous weapons including cutlasses, daggers, and bottles. It was very fierce.

“People ran helter-skelter for their lives as the hoodlums scared everyone until the police came and quelled the confusion. Five people were wounded and rushed to the hospital.”

Wasiu Abiodun, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state, confirmed the incident and reported that the police had successfully restored normalcy to the area.

He said, “On 19/6/2024 at about 21:30 hours, information was received that there was a serious fight between vigilante members and some miscreants around Dadin-Kowa and Tudun-Wada areas of Kontagora, which resulted in the death of one Abdulkadir Musa, a.k.a Kure, and five others sustained injuries.

“The Divisional Police Officer, a Division in Kontagora, led the patrol team to the scene, restored normalcy, and took the injured victims to the hospital.

“However, today around 09:00 hours, the miscreants regrouped at Tudun-Wada for reprisal and the gang leader, one Bilal Aliyu, and two others were arrested. The incident is under investigation while monitoring continues.”