At least 21 suspected bandits have been killed by security agencies in collaboration with vigilantes and locals in the Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi.

The Council Chairman, Alhaji Hussani Aliyu-Bena, who confirmed the incident disclosed that Danko Wasagu is sharing a border with the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State where the bandits get access to Kebbi State.

According to him, the incident started on Monday through Tuesday up to Wednesday, adding that the bandits came through Mariga into Tudun Bichi under Wasagu but credible intelligence kept the security agencies, vigilante groups and locals on alert which led to a successful ambush.

He said the locals in collaboration with vigilantes killed 17 suspected bandits and recovered arms, ammunition and motorcycles, while two locals were killed.

Aliyu-Bena added that the bandits also moved to Tangaran village and abducted nine farmers working on their farmlands but all of them were later rescued by combined efforts of security agencies, vigilantes and locals at a village called Lugga under Ayu District.

The chairman said a careful watch on the movement of the bandits also resulted in another encounter at Bakin Gulbi village where the combined team killed four bandits, recovered weapons and rescued three kidnapped persons, assuring that the bandits’ movement was being monitored for further action.

He, however, expressed sadness that the bandits also killed Marafan Mai Inuwa village under Kanya District and abducted some people but the victims were later rescued by the army after killing some of the bandits.

While calling for the deployment of more military personnel to Malekachi and Dnkade, two communities that have remained transit routes for the bandits, he commended the gallantry of the combined forces of security agents, vigilantes and locals in dealing with the bandits.

He noted that in line with the directives of the State Governor, the council members visited Kanya District, where all the displaced persons from the surrounding villages converged and commiserated with them as well as presented a message (token) from the governor.