Sani Wilson Enemona

Bandits terrorising between the axis of Sokoto and Zamfara states have taken responsibility for the attack on Goronyo Market in Sokoto State, where more than 60 villagers were killed on Sunday.

One of the kingpins,who is an allie to both Kachallah Turji and Halilu Sububu – the two notorious warlords in the area, Shehu Rekeb, disclosed that the attack was carried out to avenge killings of “innocent Fulani” in the area.

Daily Trust reports that the attack was a joint one with the attackers storming the market on over 100 motorcycles.

They surrounded the place and opened fire on buyers and sellers that led to the death of over 60 people.

“We heard those who attacked Goronyo being described as criminals. They were not.”

“The president (Muhammadu Buhari) came out to say so. Those people (of Goronyo) have killed so many people, so they would have to be attacked and killed,” he said.

Rekeb who Cited the killing of some Fulani Muslim worshippers at Unguwar Lalle, stated that “When those people (Fulani) were killed, the president did not say anything but he is now coming out to react to this one.”

A resident had earlier disclosed to reporters that, “The recent attack could be a misplaced reprisal by ‘Yan Sakai’ because of the recent killing of 11 herders in Mamande Market in Gwadabawa Local Government Area.

“This outlawed group is arresting and killing Fulani men unjustifiably,” he said.

Activities of Yan Sa Kai, an informal group of people (not to be mistaken for Vigilante Group of Nigeria, VGN) have played significant role in worsening security situation in Sokoto and Zamfara states.

These barely trained groups mostly engage in ethnic profiling and killing.

Governors of both Sokoto and Zamfara states have made several warnings to the Yan Sa Kai l, but they continue with their activities, citing inadequacy of security agencies and a number of other factors as the reason they defend their communities.