Unlawful Use of Power and Shooting of Innocent Civilians by Vigilante Group in Gujba LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
On 30th September 2024, a disturbing incident occurred in Gujba Local Government Area (LGA), Yobe State, involving members of the vigilante group assigned to protect farmlands.
A Fulani man, Ibrahim Abdul, was walking on foot toward Katarko town when he was accosted by three members of the vigilante group. Despite a search that yielded no incriminating evidence, Ibrahim Abdul was accused of being a thief and shot in the leg with a pump-action gun.
As Ibrahim cried out in pain, his shouts attracted his nearby relatives, who rushed to the scene to assist him. Tragically, the vigilantes opened fire once again, injuring four more individuals: Isa Audu (22), Ibrahim Mohammed (21), Ibrahim Buba (23), and Adamu Abdul (22). All the wounded individuals were later transported to Specialist Hospital Damaturu for urgent medical attention.
While at the hospital, a relative of the wounded, Adamu Buba, who was not involved in the incident but had come to support his injured family members, was arrested by officers of the Police Crack Squad under the command of CSP Mai Baba. Buba was detained without any clear reason, raising concerns about the abuse of power by law enforcement in collaboration with vigilante groups.
There have been numerous reports of human rights abuses in the area surrounding Ngirbuwa, Goniri, Dadingel, and Gotala Gotumba villages, all within Gujba LGA. The vigilante group, led by Idris Commander, has been accused of conspiring with the Police Crack Squad in Damaturu to extort the local Fulani herders. Allegedly, herders are often falsely accused of cattle rustling or theft and are extorted for millions of Naira.
The vigilante group’s actions appear to have the backing of high-ranking officials, including the Governor's Special Security Adviser, Brigadier General Abdul Salam (Rtd). This connection has raised concerns about impunity and a lack of accountability in addressing the ongoing violations of the rights of local communities.
The affected individuals and their families are calling for an immediate investigation into the unlawful actions of both the vigilante group and the police unit involved. They also demand that justice be served, and measures taken to prevent further exploitation and violence against innocent civilians in the region.
