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How Notorious Informant, Awwalu Dan Garin Mararraba, Killed in Tsafe after long-standing double life as a vigilante and bandit accomplice
How Notorious Informant, Awwalu Dan Garin Mararraba, Killed in Tsafe after long-standing double life as a vigilante and bandit accomplice
By: Zagazola Makama
A notorious bandit informant, Awwalu Dan Garin Mararraba, was killed by residents of Mararraba, a community near Yankuzo under Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, after his long-standing double life as a vigilante and bandit accomplice was exposed.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that Awwalu, who was well known in Tsafe and surrounding areas, had allegedly been working as an informant for bandits while disguising himself as a member of the local vigilante group. Residents accused him of being responsible for the deaths of several people, either by providing intelligence to bandits or directly executing individuals under the pretense of fighting criminals.
Over the past year, Awwalu had been a controversial figure, suspected of using his position within the vigilante group to eliminate those he considered threats. Among his victims was a young man named Rabi’u Bawa (Zafa), who was executed under his supervision in Tsafe town. He was also said to have led the killing of another young man known as Mailahiya in Sabon Gari, allegedly over a financial dispute.
Despite these allegations, Awwalu continued to move freely between local communities, switching roles depending on the situation sometimes appearing as a vigilante and at other times seen in the company of armed bandits in the forests.
His luck ran out last week when he returned to Mararraba, his hometown, accompanied by an associate. The duo arrived under the guise of retrieving a motorcycle belonging to a local youth. However, their presence immediately raised suspicion among residents, who had grown wary of Awwalu’s activities.
Sensing danger, Awwalu and his companion attempted to hide inside a house, but the residents quickly locked them in. A crowd gathered as word spread that Awwalu, the alleged bandit informant, had been caught. In an unusual move, the residents reached out to Fulani leaders and other community elders in Yankuzo to witness the unfolding event.
When Awwalu was eventually brought out, he tried to defend himself by claiming that his brother, who is the village head of Mararraba, had invited him to the town for a business deal. However, his explanation did not convince the angry crowd.
The situation escalated into a heated exchange between Awwalu and his elder brother, with the village head denying any knowledge of his visit. Sensing that Awwalu was lying, the villagers decided to check his mobile phone for further evidence. Upon searching his phone, residents reportedly found multiple contacts and call logs linking him to known bandits operating in the area. This discovery confirmed their suspicions and sealed Awwalu’s fate.
As tension grew, the community members, alongside some Fulani leaders, agreed that justice must be served. Armed locals fueled by anger and a long history of grievances, immediately opened fire on Awwalu, killing him on the spot. Eyewitnesses reported that as he lay dying, Awwalu continued cursing and hurling insults at those who executed him.
Awwalu’s killing comes amid intensified efforts by local vigilante groups and communities in Zamfara State to rid their areas of bandit collaborators. Over the past few months, several informants have been exposed and executed as frustration grows over continued attacks and abductions.
The incident in Mararraba has heightened tensions in the region, with security forces now closely monitoring the situation to prevent possible reprisals from Awwalu’s associates or bandit groups operating in the Tsafe-Yankuzo axis.
How Notorious Informant, Awwalu Dan Garin Mararraba, Killed in Tsafe after long-standing double life as a vigilante and bandit accomplice
Indian factory manager slumps, dies in Edo community
By: Zagazola Makama
A 47-year-old Indian national, identified as Kalidass Arunachalam, has died after suddenly slumping while on duty at a factory in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the deceased was a production manager with Green Hills Agricultural Products Ltd. He was said to have collapsed at about 11:30 a.m. on Friday while working at the company premises.
Company representatives, including another Indian national, Tushar Tukaram Phadtare, along with the Managing Director, Suleman Dauda, and the Chief Security Officer, Lt. Col. Thompson Udom (rtd), rushed him to God’s Spring Best Care Hospital in the Obaretin Community for urgent medical attention.
A medical doctor at the facility, identified as Dr. Kingsley Dele, later confirmed Arunachalam dead while efforts were still being made to revive him.
Officials later visited the hospital where the body was found lying face up on a hospital bed with a drip attached. No visible marks of violence were observed on the corpse.
The remains of the deceased were deposited at the mortuary, and efforts are ongoing to contact the Indian Embassy to inform his next-of-kin and facilitate diplomatic procedures.
Indian factory manager slumps, dies in Edo community
Three missing after boat carrying passengers, vehicles capsizes in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
At least three persons, including a two-year-old child, are missing after a boat capsized on Friday night while ferrying passengers and vehicles across the Namnai River in Taraba State.
Zagazola Makama reports that the boat, which was transporting several passengers and three vehicles, capsized around 8:40 p.m. due to overloading and reckless navigation by the operator.
According to sources, the operator defied standing safety protocols by loading three vehicles onto the boat instead of the approved maximum of two. The mishap occurred while the boat was attempting to dock at the riverbank, when a strong wave destabilised it, causing it to overturn.
While many passengers were rescued by local divers and first responders, three victims identified as Aishatu Rilwanu, Baharatu Danasabe, and Yusuf Badaru, a two-year-old child all residents of Jantaro Ward in Mutum Biyu remain unaccounted for.
Rescue team were mobilised to scene as both community members and security personnel intensify the search and rescue efforts.
As of the time of filing this report, the rescue operation is still ongoing.
Three missing after boat carrying passengers, vehicles capsizes in Taraba
Security operatives arrest 22 suspected Aiye cultists in Ogun, including two soldiers
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Ogun have arrested 22 suspected members of the Aiye confraternity during a coordinated raid at Hilltop Hotel in Osiele, Odeda Local Government Area.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, which took place on Friday night, followed credible intelligence received by officers at the Odeda Division regarding the unlawful gathering of cultists at the hotel.
The sources confirmed that a joint tactical team comprising officers from Aregbe Division, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), and the Anti-Cultism Unit stormed the hotel and apprehended the suspects.
Among those arrested were 19 males, three females, and two serving military personnel, suspected to be linked to the cult group.
Items recovered from the suspects include one UTC axe, a cut-to-size barrel gun, and several blue beret caps, all identified with the Aiye cult group.
The sources said that the State Criminal Investigation Department’s Anti-Cultism Unit at Eleweran has been directed to conduct a discreet investigation into the incident, while further profiling of the suspects is underway.
The sources said individuals or groups found engaging in such criminal acts would face the full weight of the law.
Security operatives arrest 22 suspected Aiye cultists in Ogun, including two soldiers
Indian factory manager slumps, dies in Edo community
Three missing after boat carrying passengers, vehicles capsizes in Taraba
Security operatives arrest 22 suspected Aiye cultists in Ogun, including two soldiers
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