Kabkabiya — Gunmen driving Land Cruisers mounted with Dushkas opened fire on a market in Kabkabiya, North Darfur, after refusing to pay the mechanic who had repaired their motorcycle on Monday.

Onlookers told Radio Dabanga the mechanic, Jafar Mohammed Idris, insisted that the pro-government militia paid for his services leading them to start firing shots in the air.

Bystanders ran towards the mechanic to protect him and militia called for backup. Moments later, an onlooker said, large numbers of militiamen arrived at the market driving Land Cruisers mounted with Dushkas or by foot.

They started firing their weapons in the air until authorities intervened and contained the situation.

Frightened residents fled to their homes and markets closed their doors, sources speaking from Kabkabiya informed Radio Dabanga.