Cattle rustlers killed a vigilante leader, Isa Gebe, and allegedly stole 99 cows in Gebe village, Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The Chairman of the local government, Umar Mohammed, told newsmen at Isa, headquarters of the local government, on Tuesday that the hoodlums attacked the village on Nov. 27.
According to Mohammed, they carted away 99 cows belonging to some herdsmen from the neighbouring Niger republic.
“They were passing the night at the village on their way to Shinkafi market in the neighbouring Zamfara the following day when the hoodlums attacked them,’’ he said.
Mohammed said a patrol team in an armoured personnel carrier (APC) could not arrest the fleeing rustlers as the vehicle got stuck on the way to the scene.
He also said another patrol team from the Isa Police Division could not reach the hoodlums as they had fled with the cows.
“The rustlers were believed to be about 20 and were armed with dangerous weapons, including AK-47 rifles.
“I have convened an emergency security meeting to discuss the disturbing development. The meeting is expected to brainstorm on the problem, assess the state of security in the area, and chart a way forward,’’ he said.
Mohammed said the local government would continue to partner with the various security agencies to protect lives and property.
The spokesman of the state police command, DSP Al-Mustapha Sani, confirmed the incident, adding that investigation into matter was ongoing.