Nine members of a local vigilante group, popularly known as Yan Ba Beli have been killed by gunmen in Bauchi State.

The Yan Ba Beli members were killed in the forest of Gamji village while in search of bandits who have been terrorising communities in Ningi LGA, killing and kidnapping innocent people for ransom.

The gunmen attacked the Yan Ba Beli during an ambush and succeeded in killing nine of them, while a few others were injured.

The incident happened on Sunday evening, October 15, 2023, when the Yan Ba Beli were climbing the rocks around Gamji village in search of the bandits harbouring in the forest.

A member of the local vigilantes in the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told the Nigerian Tribune that the bandits laid a well-coordinated ambush for them in the forest into which they fell.

He added that as soon as they fell into the ambush, the bandits opened fire with superior weapons and overpowered the Yan Ba Beli, killing nine of them instantly and injuring others.

The Caretaker Chairman of Ningi LGA, Hon. Ibrahim Zubairu Mato, who confirmed the incident, assured that the government will continue to do everything possible to protect innocent lives and properties in the area.