Nigeria: 500 bandits attack village, kills 12 in search of repentant accomplice

At least 12 people have been killed after a known notorious kingpin, Dankarmi attacked a village harbouring, Mani Turwa, a repentant bandit.

The attack which lasted four hours saw Dankarmi’s men burn down a section of Illela in Safana local government area.

The news of the attack was confirmed by a top officer at the Operations Department of the Katsina police command who told Premium Times that Mr. Dankarami led the attacks himself.

After pressing to get more information, the officer declined to speak to the issue because he was not authorised to speak to the media for the police.

According to residents who witnessed the incident, the bandits attacked in large numbers. One who is now resident in Katsina told Premium Times that “the bandits were more than 500 because each motorcycle carried three of them.”

The attack was officially corroborated by the police command spokesperson, Gambo Isa who said residents were killed but the number has not been confirmed.

Mani Turwa repents

Notorious Mani Turwa, known for his escapades in the Safana – Danmusa – Batsari axis, surrendered his arms to the police in April 2021.

He is reported to have convinced other bandits living in the Illela forest neighbouring the dreaded Rugu forest to also surrender their arms and turn a new leaf.

Those who repented include Sale Turwa (Mani’s relative), Ado Sarki, and Sani Mai Daji.

According to the then Commissioner of Police in Katsina, the bandits surrendered of their own volition.

Some of the arms and ammunition they surrendered, according to the police were: two General Purpose Machine guns, one AK 49 Assault rifle, 23 AK 47 Assault rifles, 109 GPMG ammunition, 94 7.62mm live ammunition of AK 47 rifle, and 45 rustled cows, Premium Times said.

source: My Nigeria