Suspected bandits attacked the Ngalda livestock and major market in Yobe State’s Fika Local Government Area, killing at least seven people—mostly traders—and injuring eleven more.
Around 6 p.m., the attackers opened fire indiscriminately while robbing stores and cattle dealers during the weekly market in Ngalda, the Fika LG headquarters.
Dauda Yakubu Damazai, a social media aide to the Fika LG Chairman, confirmed the casualties, telling Daily Trust that the seven victims were local traders from both the main and cattle markets, who tragically lost their lives in the attack.
“Yesterday evening (Monday), the Ngalda cattle and main market was attacked by unknown gunmen. Seven innocent people were killed by the attackers.
“At least eleven people sustained injuries. They were rushed to the General Hospital, Fika for medical treatment. Thank God three of the bandits were killed by the security agencies and vigilantes.
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“The council chairman of Fika LG, Hon Audu Bukar Gadaka, had paid a sympathy visit to the victims and prayed for Allah to forgive them and wished quick recovery to those who are hospitalised,’’ he said.
Confirming the attack, the Police Public Relations Officer in Yobe State, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, revealed that a group of six armed robbers, led by Datti Alhaji Dadji from Ngalda town, carried out the assault.
The attack resulted in seven deaths and 11 injuries. The robbers also made off with an estimated N16.5 million.
“In response, the people of Ngalda town mobilised and killed three of the robbers, while three others escaped with injuries.
“The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) led a team of patrol officers to Alhaji Dadji’s house, where they recovered a locally made pistol with three cartridges. Alhaji Dadji was arrested and is currently in police custody, facing interrogation as the investigation unfolds.
“The victims and corpses were evacuated to the General Hospital Fika for medical treatment and autopsy. The Commissioner of Police, CP Garba Ahmed, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and called for calm,” he added.
