Troops restore calm after violent clash between vigilantes, cattle herders in Gubio

Security forces have restored order in Gubio, Borno State, following a violent confrontation between members of local vigilante groups and cattle herders at the town’s cattle market on Thursday afternoon.

The clash, which occurred around 2:30 p.m., reportedly erupted after a disagreement between members of the Vigilante Group and some herders. Those involved were identified as Mohammed Nasuru, 23, also known as Alasura; Modugana Modu, 23, alias Shoki of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF); Kadar Awana, 22, of the Vigilante Group; and Abdullahi Salisu, 22, a nomadic cattle herder, along with other herders who fled the scene.

Eyewitnesses told Zagazola Makama that dangerous weapons were freely used during the altercation. A trader at the market, Mustapha Babagoni, 22, was struck by pellets fired by a member of the vigilante group. Nasuru sustained deep machete cuts to his leg and hand, while Salisu was injured on the forehead.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI were immediately deployed to the area and successfully brought the situation under control. The injured were taken to the Gubio Primary Health Care Centre for treatment, with Babagoni and Nasuru later referred to the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri for further care.

Security sources confirmed that several suspects have been arrested and weapons recovered from the scene, while efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing participants in the clash.