Bandits Invade 30 Sokoto Communities, Six Feared Killed

Six people are feared dead after suspected bandits attacked 30 villages in Sokoto State, displacing residents and rustling more than 1,000 livestock, reports say.

No fewer than six persons are feared dead after armed bandits reportedly attacked communities in Danchadi District of Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State, forcing residents to flee and displacing scores of families.

The attackers were also said to have rustled more than 1,000 livestock during the coordinated assaults, leaving affected communities devastated.

The incident was detailed in a report signed by the District Head of Danchadi, Alhaji Lirwanu Mafaran Kuwarun Sarkin Musulmi, and addressed to the Chairman of Bodinga Local Government Area.

A senior traditional ruler in the district confirmed the report, stating that copies had been personally delivered to security agencies operating in the area to facilitate an urgent response.

According to the report, the affected communities include Gidan Gadanga, Gidan Dan Bube, Dutsin Mai Gunya, Batsauje, Sire Modi, Gwantsi, Kore Maiganga, Bangi Rafi, Bangi Dutsin, Yabawa, Lageji, Bille, Gonin Gari, Wumumu, Chohi, Saran Malan, Wure Yal’dde, Gidan Hodi, Dabugi, Rukusawa, Tunga, Lakes, Maikataru, Dutsin Toka, Karaje, Kwantsi Buga, Yan Gidaje, Runbuki, Kwantsi Tunga and Lau Gari.

Residents said the attacks forced many families to abandon their homes for safer locations amid fears of further violence.

The latest incident adds to growing concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Sokoto State, where communities have continued to experience attacks by armed groups despite ongoing security operations.

Local leaders have called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities, restore normalcy and facilitate the safe return of displaced residents.

As of the time of filing this report, the Sokoto State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, were unsuccessful as calls to his telephone line were neither answered nor returned.

Security agencies are expected to provide further details as investigations into the attack continue.