How hunters killed my son during Sallah Durbar — Bauchi monarch

Hunters associated with the Bauchi State Vigilante and Youth Empowerment Agency have been accused of fatally shooting a Bauchi Emirate prince, Muhammadu Ghani Hussaini, the traditional title holder of Yariman Danjikan Bauchi, during the Sallah durbar procession in Bauchi. The District Head of Miri, who also holds the traditional title of Danjikan Bauchi, Hussaini Abubakar […]

Hunters associated with the Bauchi State Vigilante and Youth Empowerment Agency have been accused of fatally shooting a Bauchi Emirate prince, Muhammadu Ghani Hussaini, the traditional title holder of Yariman Danjikan Bauchi, during the Sallah durbar procession in Bauchi.

The District Head of Miri, who also holds the traditional title of Danjikan Bauchi, Hussaini Abubakar Othman, addressed journalists yesterday in Bauchi, alleging that there was a plot to assassinate him.

The incident occurred last Thursday, the second day of Eid-el Fitr, during the traditional obeisance to the Government House by the Emir of Bauchi in the convoy of all district heads and other traditional title holders in the emirate.

Othman recounted the events of April 11, 2024, during the Sallah procession when a group led by Umaru Shayi and his hunters attacked their entourage at Tashan Babiye and later at the Sheikh Tahir Usman Bauchi Mosque.

According to him, the attackers launched multiple unprovoked assaults on their entourage, leading to the tragic death of his son, Yariman Danjikan Bauchi, who was shot with live ammunition.

He said there was no conflict between them and the hunters and that the attacks were entirely unexpected.

Othman expressed his demand for justice, stating that he had reported the incident to relevant security agencies, including the state Commissioner of Police.

When contacted, the Commander General of the Bauchi State Vigilante and Youth Empowerment Agency, Umaru Shayi, said he was currently en route to Abuja but would address the accusations upon his return.

“I am right now in transit to Abuja. When I return, I will respond to all the allegations,” Shayi said.

Meanwhile, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Saturday evening, paid a condolence visit to the Palace of the District Head of Miri over the death of his son, Ghani.

He expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident and said an investigation has been launched to unravel the circumstances leading to the death of the young prince.

The governor, who led other top government officials on the condolence visit, said the unfortunate incident happened when people were rejoicing over the successful completion of the 30 days of Ramadan fasting.

Efforts to get the police reaction to the incident were not successful as the Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, did not respond to calls. He also did not reply to a text message sent to him at the time of filing this report.