Bandits Kill Sokoto Residents, Abduct Mothers, Babies

Suspected bandits have attacked Kurawa village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing two residents and abducting 15 others, including four nursing mothers and their babies.

The attackers, reportedly armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the community around 11:30pm.

Among those killed was a community leader identified as Alhaji ISU Saraki.

Two others, including a member of the Sokoto State Community Guards, sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment.

Confirming the incident, a lawmaker representing the area, Hon. Sa’idu Ibrahim, said 15 people were taken by the assailants.

“The abductees include six women, four of whom are nursing mothers. Their babies were also taken, along with five teenagers aged between 14 and 15,” he said.

Hon. Ibrahim attributed the surge in attacks on communities in the area to ongoing military operations in neighbouring Zamfara State and a peace initiative in Katsina, which he argued is unlikely to succeed because “the bandits are not willing to surrender their arms.”

He noted that although mobile police officers had been redeployed to the area, they failed to remain at their assigned posts.

The attack comes just days after bandits invaded Tarah community, also in Sabon Birni LGA, abducting nine residents and injuring one person.

That incident occurred shortly after members of the community’s vigilante group were reportedly redeployed to Katsira, leaving Tarah vulnerable.

Local sources said youths in Tarah mobilized to confront the attackers, preventing what could have been a more devastating assault.

The recurring violence has heightened concerns over mass abductions and killings across the region, as communities continue to face escalating threats despite ongoing security operations.(Daily trust)