Abdul Lankai, a suspected bandit leader, has defended his actions in a deadly confrontation with residents and vigilante members in a Katsina State community, claiming the violence erupted despite an existing peace arrangement.
Speaking in a video shared by News Central TV, Lankai alleged that the crisis began after he learned that some members of his group had been taken into custody by local vigilantes. Believing that peace negotiations between both sides were still active, he said he assured the detained men that there was no immediate threat and that the matter would be resolved peacefully.
According to him, the situation took a dramatic turn when communication with the detained men was suddenly cut off. Lankai claimed he could hear noises suggesting confusion and gunfire before the call ended, raising concerns that something had gone wrong.
He said he then mobilized several of his followers and headed to the community to investigate the incident. Upon arrival, however, he alleged that his group was met with gunfire from vigilantes who had strategically positioned themselves around the area.
Lankai maintained that the attack forced his men to retaliate in order to protect themselves. He further claimed that three of his fighters had already been killed before the clash and accused the vigilantes of plotting to eliminate him.
The suspected bandit commander said the exchange of fire eventually left 15 people dead. Despite the bloodshed, he insisted that he remains committed to dialogue and a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
However, he said any future negotiations must address what he described as the seizure of weapons belonging to his group and the withholding of the bodies of his slain fighters.
Explaining why he fought back, Lankai argued that he had no choice in the face of what he described as a coordinated attack.
“They were shooting at us from all sides. How could I stand by and allow them to kill me simply because I wanted peace? I had to defend myself because their intention was to take my life. That is why 15 people were killed,” he said.
Watch the video from stamp time 0:56 to 1:03 HERE
