Sokoto Nigeria Gripped by Fresh Bandit Attack as Community Guard Killed and Many Residents Abducted
Armed bandits launched a late-night assault on Sabon Birni in Sokoto State, northwestern Nigeria, killing a member of the local community security outfit and abducting several residents.
The attack took place on Monday night in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, a region that has repeatedly suffered violent raids by armed groups operating across parts of northern Nigeria.
A member of the Sokoto Community Guards was killed during the invasion, while several residents were taken away by the attackers.
Authorities say the exact number of abducted persons remains unclear.
A lawmaker representing the area in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Boza, confirmed the incident but said it was difficult to immediately determine the number of victims due to confusion during the attack.
He explained that some residents may have fled into surrounding bushes, making it difficult to verify figures at the early stage of investigation.
A resident who spoke anonymously claimed that about 10 people were abducted, adding that it was the third attempted attack on the community in recent times.
The attackers were said to have used a familiar route previously linked to earlier raids.
The assault reportedly occurred around Kantin Gabas, near the town’s Eid prayer ground, deepening fear among residents.
Security agencies say investigations are ongoing as they continue to gather details of the incident.
The latest attack adds to persistent insecurity in Nigeria’s northwest, where rural communities continue to face repeated killings, kidnappings, and armed incursions.
