67 suspected kidnappers neutralized in Bauchi by local hunters, vigilantes as Governor Mohammed presents N10m, 30 motorcycles in fight against insecurity 

Bauchi Governor, Senator Mohammed flanked by Police Commissioner, right and Brigade Commander

By Akanji Alowoludo, Bauchi

Combined security operation by local hunters and vigilantes in Lere District of Tafawa Balewa LGA of Bauchi State has led to the killing of 67 suspected bandits and kidnappers while 28 victims were safely rescued during the operation. 

The disclosure was made by the Sarkin Lere, Alhaji Jamilu Aliyu Bawa while briefing the State Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir on the security situation in the area in recent weeks. 

He assured that members of the vigilantes in the area are battle ready to ensure that the bandits were completely flushed out while the remaining victims still in captivity were safely rescued. 

In his response,Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed commemded the bravery of the combined security operatives for taking the bull by the horns to challenge the bandits in their hideout and smoked them out. 

An elated Bala Mohammed announced the donation of 30 motorcycles and the sum of N10million as support for their efforts in rescuing kidnapped victims and stopping banditry.

The Governor said that there is no hiding place for criminals in Bauchi state and commended the people of Lere and Tafawa Balewa local Government area for supporting security agents in that regard.

In his remarks, State commissioner of Police CP Awwal MUSA6 Mohammed said that security agents would continue to support any community that is out to assist in that regard.

Awwal Musa assured that the remaining kidnapped victims will be rescued unhurt while the bandits will be cleared to make the area free for the people to live peacefully. 

He also called for support and cooperation from the people of the state by way of volunteering useful information that will lead to arresting the criminals operating within the communities. 

Caretaker Committee chairman of Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, HON Samaila Wakili thanked Governor Bala Mohammed for his love and concern for the people, pledging their unalloyed loyalty and support. 

According to him, “For over 41 days now, there is no single day that people are not being kidnapped or our roads blocked by armed robbers, some of them are even killed. This has caused us great trouble.” 

“We kept meeting and discussing on how to address these issues and at the end of the day, Commanders of Vigilante groups and hunters, saw that it was getting out of hand. They requested us to seek for permission from security agencies to allow them confront the bandits in the bushes,” he added.

The Caretaker Chairmen concluded that, “And Alhamdullilah, we recorded great success. They were able to arrest 36 of them.”