Bandits operating between Sokoto and Zamfara states have taken responsibility for the attack on Goronyo Market in Sokoto State, where 43 villagers were killed, describing it as a reprisal.
According to the bandits the market attack was a reprisal attack following the killing of “ innocent fulanis” in the area.
Recalled that the bandits stormed the market last Sunday and opened fire on buyers and sellers leading to the death of 43 people. However, the death toll has since risen to 49.
One of the Bandits kingpins, Shehu Rekeb, who is close to both Kachallah Turji and Halilu Sububu, the two notorious warlords in the area, said the attack was carried out to avenge killings of “innocent Fulani” in the area.
“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.
Citing the killing of some Fulani Muslim worshippers at Unguwar Lalle, Rekeb said,
“When those people (Fulani) were killed, the president did not say anything but he is now coming out to react to this one.”
