A suspected member of a youth gang known in Adamawa State as Shila Boys, has been killed in a gang clash with vigilantes in the capital, Yola.
The youth, identified only as Uba, was allegedly stabbed to death during a confrontation between the gang members and the vigilantes when the gang invaded Demsawo Government Day Secondary, Jimeta.
Witnesses said Thursday that the hoodlums, who armed themselves with knives, sticks and cutlasses, launched an attack on the school, assaulted the teachers and damaged cars as well as school facilities.
The youths were said to have invaded the school to vent their anger on anyone in sight after one of their members was arrested by the vigilantes guarding the school.
The Adamawa State Police Command confirmed the arrest of one of the suspected Shila Boys, Muhammadu Musa, who allegedly masterminded the clash.
The command said the vigilante, Nasiru Abdullahi, who allegedly used the weapon that killed Uba, has also been picked up.
Reports say Musa, along with four other boys, had earlier last month, January 29, gone to the school premises in uniform and, pretending to be students, gained easy access.
When they were found out to be up to something sinister, they were apprehended by the vigilantes who took them to the office of the principal.
During interrogation at the principal’s office, Musa allegedly pulled out his knife and tried to escape but was overpowered by the vigilantes, even as his four other accomplices escaped.
The four, however, mobilised other boys and invaded the school for the second time and started assaulting the vigilantes and teachers they could reach.
It was further gathered that some of the boys matcheted Nasiru Abdullahi but could not penetrate as he was fortified by charms and while defending himself, he used the knife which he had snatched from Muhammadu Musa, to stab Uba to death.
Giving an update on the matter, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, said the police would get the fleeing Shila Boys arrested and ensure the prosecution of all the suspects.
