Gun Men Attack Sokoto Community, Kill Traditional Ruler

Gunmen Allegedly From Niger Republic Attack Balle Community In Sokoto State

Suspected gunmen have killed a traditional ruler, Aliyu Ibrahim of Balle community in Sokoto State, a source confirmed.

The gunmen shot dead the ruler when they reportedly attacked Balle community in Gudu Local Government area of the state.

With deepest sorrow, i announce the death of the district head of Balle, Gudu LG sokoto who was slaughtered by unknown gunmen at his residence in Balle in an attack yesterday. May his soul rest in peace

The secuirity situation is worse @MBuhari @BashirAhmaad#ServiceChiefsMustGo pic.twitter.com/QubFpaQLWo

— MAGOREE (@Nasirmagori) May 8, 2019

According to the witness who spoke to Premium Times , the gunmen stormed the community on motorcycles shooting sporadically in the air.

He said residents ran into hiding to avoid being hit by stray bullets.

He added that the gunmen then went straight to Balle police station where they burned down patrol vehicles and the building before moving to the palace of the district head. They gunned him down in cold blood, said the source, who requested not to be named for security reasons.

The Nigerian Army had earlier announced a ban on the use of motorcycles in seven northern states including Sokoto to curb the rising spate of violence.

“The gunmen, upon arrival to the emir’s palace, found the compound gate was locked. They, however, jumped through the fence while others were stationed outside. After killing the district head, they rode their motorcycles and fled,” the witness said.

He added that it is not clear whether they killed security personnel at the police station.

He added that no civilian was  killed during the attack, “as the gunmen were allegedly from the Niger Republic, and were on a plan revenge attack targeting only the district head.”

The source said many residents attributed the killing to vengeance as the traditional leader was the one who allegedly reported the activities of the bandits to security agencies.

The police are yet to speak on the incident. The spokesperson, Muhammad Sadiq, did not pick or return calls to his phone Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.