By Adeniyi Olugbemi

Twenty-four hours after 11 Fulanis were killed by local vigilante group popularly called Yan Sakai at Mammande weekly market in Gwadabawa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, another 20 persons have been killed by suspected armed bandits in another market at Ungwan Lalle in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

A former council chairman of Sabon Birni LG, Abdullahi Tsamaye, said the incident occurred around 5pm on Friday where several other persons were injured and major ity of them are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Sabon Birni; while others with life-threatening injuries were taken to the state capital for proper care.

He said the assailants came in large numbers into the market and started shooting, aiming at anybody in sight and in the process, killing over 20 persons and burnt vehicles and destroyed several other properties.

The Special Assistant to the Minister for Police Affairs, Idris Gobir, who also confirmed the incident, said about 22 people died in the attack, including traders from Sokoto town who were in the village for business transaction.

Gobir further said about 35 people are currently in various hospitals receiving treatment for their injuries. Meanwhile, efforts to get the reaction of the Sokoto State Police Command was not successful, as the Command spokesman, ASP Abubakar Sanusi, could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.

Originally published at Punch