A daring attack by armed robbers on the popular Ngalda Monday Market in Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State has left seven people dead and eleven others injured.
According to eyewitnesses, the robbers led by one Datti Alhaji Dadji, stormed the market on Monday, January 20, 2025, shooting sporadically and sending traders and customers running for cover.
The attackers then proceeded to loot POS shops and stalls, making off with large sums of money and valuables.
The Ngalda Monday Market is considered one of the largest and busiest in Yobe State, attracting traders and customers from across the region.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the community, with many calling for increased security measures to protect the market and its patrons.
Spokesperson of the command, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday, said residents mobilised and k!lled three of the robbers while police arrested the kingpin, Datti Alhaji Dadji.
According to the PPRO, the robbers made off with approximately N16.5m during the attack.
“January 20, 2025, at approximately 2100hrs, a group of six armed robbers, led by Datti Alhaji Dadji of Ngalda Town, attacked three shops at Ngalda Market,” the statement read.
“The incident resulted in seven fatalities and eleven injuries. The robbers made off with approximately sixteen million five hundred thousand naira.
“In response, the people of Ngalda Town mobilized and k!lled three of the robbers, while three others escaped with injuries.
“The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) led a team of patrol officers to Alhaji Dadji’s house, where they recovered a locally made pistol with three cartridges. Alhaji Dadji was arrested and is currently in police custody, facing interrogation as the investigation unfolds.
“The victims and corpses were evacuated to the General Hospital Fika for medical treatment and autopsy.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Garba Ahmed, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and called for calm. He tasked personnel to arrest fleeing syndicate members and urged the public to assist the command with credible information.
“The Command commiserates with the victims’ families and assures that the criminals will face the full wrath of the law.”
