At least 16 people are feared to have been killed in a series of deadly attacks by suspected bandits on several communities in Sokoto State over the weekend, in yet another wave of violence that has heightened security concerns across the North-West.
The attacks, which occurred between Friday evening and early Sunday, reportedly targeted communities in Sabon Birni and Rabah Local Government Areas. In addition to the fatalities, at least three people were injured, while an unspecified number of residents were abducted and many families displaced.
Local sources said the assailants stormed the affected communities, opening fire on residents and forcing many to flee their homes. The attacks also disrupted normal activities, leaving survivors grappling with fear and uncertainty.
Community leaders have called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify operations against armed groups terrorising rural communities and to provide greater protection for vulnerable settlements.
The latest killings underscore the persistent security challenges facing Sokoto State and other parts of Nigeria’s North-West, where bandit attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling continue to threaten lives and livelihoods despite ongoing military operations.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to release an official statement confirming the casualty figures, while efforts to restore calm and assess the full extent of the damage were ongoing.
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