Eight suspected bandits have been killed and six vigilantes lost their lives in a gun duel at Kundu axis near Zungeru in Wushishi local government area of Niger state.
The incident occurred yesterday around nine o’clock pm when the community got hint of the suspected kidnapers movement across Kundu towards Akere with a large numbers of rustled cattle.
Investigation conducted revealed that the Army and vigilantes swung into action by ambushing the bandits who were trying to escape with the rustled cattle .
This led to the casualties from both sides , in addition to scores sustaining various degrees of injuries.
The bandits were said to have abandoned the rustled cattle and took to their heels for fear of being killed.
Sources revealed that the criminals were passing through their usual route towards Akare where they allegedly got wind of the vigilantes plan through their informants , leading to the launch of an counter attack.
When contacted , Chairman Wushishi local government council Alhaji Suleiman Danjuma Nalango who was furious with the numbers quoted , however did not give the exact number of bandits and vigilantes killed in the exchange of fire .
He promised to call get back to the reporter but did not do so at the time of filing in this report.
Int/ Aliyu Lawal