Police detain two suspects over Sokoto market clashes

The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested two suspects involved in the recent clash between bandits and vigilantes in the Gada Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ahmed Rufai, disclosed this while speaking with our correspondent in a telephone conversation on Sunday.

The state police command had confirmed the killing of six persons in a clash between suspected bandits and vigilantes, locally known as Yan Sakai in Gada LG.

The vigilantes, according to a source in the area, were said to have avenged the killing of their leader, one Alhaji Dahiru by a suspected bandit.

The incident, according to eyewitnesses, started when a vigilante leader of the Gidan Hashimu village made a move to arrest and interrogate a notorious cattle rustler seen loitering in the market.

However, the move was resisted by the Fulanis group around the market.

Meanwhile, while speaking with our correspondent, ASP Ahmad Rufai, said the two suspects were arrested on Sunday morning.

“We arrested two suspects this morning in connection with the Gada incident. The two suspects were arrested with a Dane Gun and three cows.

“They are from one village in Goronyo Local Government Area of the state and through our initial investigation, the two of them have confessed to the crime.

“They also promised to give more details about the fleeing suspects which we hope will lead to their possible arrest as well as prosecution by the rule of law.”