Armed men robbed a Mobile Money (MoMo) vendor in Walewale, North East Region, during daylight hours.
The incident took place on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, around 2 p.m., prompting residents to voice worries about the security of mobile money operators and other local businesses.
Witnesses reported that a man, thought to be of Fulbe origin, approached the vendor to make a transfer and handed over cash. While the transaction was in progress, a group of gunmen suddenly arrived.
The attackers fired multiple shots, causing residents and bystanders to flee in panic. In the chaos, they grabbed the vendor’s cash-filled money bag and escaped.
They also stole the motorcycle belonging to the customer who had initiated the transfer. Residents noted that the loss was especially upsetting for the owner, who had bought the bike only the previous day.
The robbery occurred in the afternoon amid normal commercial activity, intensifying fears about safety in Walewale.
Some locals claimed the suspects were Fulani, though this remains unconfirmed. The identities and backgrounds of those involved are still unknown.