A clash between some bandits and a splinter Boko Haram sect, the Ansaru terror sect, has left two locals dead, The PUNCH reports.

The Chairman of the Birnin Gwari Emirate Progressive Union, Ishaq Kasai, who said this in a statement in Kaduna on Friday, said some bandits on motorbikes attacked Damari, Kazage ward in Eastern Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of the state, killing two locals.

Kasai also said the attack which happened on Wednesday left shops, vehicles, as well as a private hospital, burnt.

According to him, the clash between the two terror groups lasted for more than two hours with the Ansaru, with superior firepower overpowering the bandits, who also wielded sophisticated weapons.

The development led to the locals applauding the efforts of the Ansaru terror group for saving them from the bandit attack.

The BEPU chairman also disclosed that the terror groups’ clash forced hundreds to flee their communities.

The statement read, “Bandits numbering about 200 on motorcycles, wielding sophisticated weapons targeted and attacked Damari town of Kazage Ward in the eastern part of Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

“On hearing the sporadic gunshots from the bandits, the Ansaru members moved towards them and started exchanging fire. They clashed for about an hour. The Ansaru members who were also heavily armed overpowered the bandits which made them retreat and run away.

“During the clash, some damages were done to the town. One shop was burnt, two vehicles were burnt, one private hospital was burnt as well as two locals (labourers) were also killed by the bandits on their way from the farm, while the bandits were running away to the forest.

“The private hospital was burnt accidentally as a result of the fire spread from the second vehicle burnt nearby.

“As a result of this, most of the community members appreciate and hail the Ansaru members for defending the town from the bandits’ attack without which they believe that the situation could have been more damaging.

“Hundreds of persons including women and children migrated from the town as a result of the attack.

“The attack was a very organised one because the armed bandits knew that the Ansaru members are covering the town. Hence, it was countered by the Ansaru members.

“However, the casualty figure between the armed bandits and the Ansaru members is unascertained.

“The Ansaru members continue to preach and administer Shari’a justice to locals and also advise them to acquire arms to defend themselves against enemies, as well as fight government, in order to establish what they refer to as Islamic State.”