14 die in vigilantes – bandits’ battle in Niger 

Fourteen fighters have reportedly died in a gun duel between vigilantes and bandits around Kundu area of Zungeru in Wushishi local government area of Niger state. 

Blueprint learnt that eight bandits were gunned down by the vigilantes in the encounter which occurred at about 9pm Tuesday night.

Reports said six members of the vigilante corps were lost in the battle. 

A witness who pleaded anonymity told journalists in Minna, Wednesday, that the vigilantes were sold out by informants to the bandits from the village.

He said, “The incident occurred around 9 pm Tuesday when the community got hint of the suspected kidnapers’ movement across Kundu towards Akere with a large number of rustled cattle.”

He added that the vigilantes swung into action to fight the bandits resulting in casualties from both sides.

He added that the two sides also have members that sustained various degrees of injuries.

“The criminals were passing through their usual route, but the bandits got wind of the vigilantes plan through their informants, so they put up a counter attack.”

The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun could not be reached to react to the incident.