Yobe: Gunmen attack popular market, k!ll traders, others, loot shops

Gunmen on Monday night stormed popular Ngalda Monday market in Fika Local Government Area (LGA) of Yobe state and attacked traders, customers, leaving several persons dead and many more injured.

According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen stormed the market and shot sporadically which led the traders and customers running for cover.

The attackers then proceeded to loot POS shops and stalls, taking away large sums of money and valuables.

Sources from Ngalda town confirmed that one Alhaji Yau Mai Provision was killed in the attack, although the exact number of fatalities is still unknown.

The Ngalda Monday Market is one of the largest and busiest in Yobe state, attracting traders and customers from across Northeast region.

The attack has sent shockwaves through the community, with many calling for increased security measures to protect the market and its environ.

The authorities have promised to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.

A press statement by the Yobe state police Command on Tuesday confirmed the incident, adding that one suspect was arrested with one locally-made pistol recovered.

According to the statement, “the incident resulted in seven fatalities and eleven injuries. The robbers made off with approximately sixteen million, five hundred thousand naira.

“In response, the people of Ngalda town mobilised and killed three of the robbers, while three others escaped with injuries. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) led a team of patrol officers to Alhaji Dadji’s house, where they recovered a locally made pistol with three cartridges. Alhaji Dadji was arrested and is currently in police custody, facing interrogation as the investigation unfolds.

“The victims and corpses were evacuated to the General Hospital Fika for medical treatment and autopsy.”

The statement also revealed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Garba Ahmed, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and called for calm.

He tasked personnel to arrest fleeing syndicate members and urged the public to assist the command with credible information.

“The Command commiserates with the victims’ families and assures that the criminals will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.