Schools Shut as Bandits Kill 11 in Fresh Sokoto Attacks

Sokoto closed public schools after fresh bandit attacks killed 11 people across Rabah and Sabon Birni communities.

At least 11 people have been killed in separate bandit attacks on communities in Rabah and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, prompting the state government to close public schools outside the state capital over worsening insecurity.

The latest attack occurred on Monday in Maikujera village, Rabah LGA, where seven people, including two operatives of the Sokoto Community Guard Corps (SCGC), were killed. Three women also lost their lives during the assault on nearby Angamba village.

According to security sources, the attackers stormed Maikujera at about 2:30 p.m. on more than 30 motorcycles, opened fire on residents and abducted an unspecified number of people.

An SCGC operative said two members of the corps were killed while attempting to repel the attackers.

“We rushed to protect the residents, but the attackers were too many. They arrived on more than 30 motorcycles and overwhelmed our men,” the operative said.

He also alleged that community guards were operating with inadequate logistics, including limited ammunition and a shortage of armoured vehicles.

The attack came less than 24 hours after suspected bandits, reportedly dressed in military uniforms, invaded Unguwan Lalle community in Sabon Birni LGA, killing four residents and injuring several others.

Residents said about 200 heavily armed gunmen attacked the village around 8 p.m. on Sunday, operating for nearly six hours while looting homes and shops, rustling livestock and shooting at fleeing villagers.

“We thought they were soldiers because of their uniforms. They surrounded the village, opened fire and carted away our belongings and livestock,” a resident recounted.

The victims were identified as Bilyaminu Wakkala and Danbaki Tulunawa, while two others were reportedly from nearby Kongurus village.

The spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, confirmed the killing of a farmer in the area but said investigations into the Unguwan Lalle attack were ongoing.

Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public primary and secondary schools outside Sokoto metropolis.

Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Ahmed Ladan Ala, said the measure was taken to safeguard students and staff following a Federal Government directive on security.