Death Toll In Sokoto Bandit Attacks Rises To Eight

The death toll from the recent bandit attacks on communities in Danchadi District of Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State has risen from six to eight, following fresh findings by the district authorities.

The District Head of Danchadi, Alhaji Lirwanu Mafaran Kuwarun Sarkin Musulmi, disclosed this in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Sunday.

He said investigations conducted after the attacks confirmed that eight residents were killed, while several others were displaced.

“Based on our investigation, eight people were killed in communities under my district during the attacks, and several residents have been displaced,” he said.

The district head described the humanitarian situation as dire, saying many residents were still traumatised by the attacks.

“My people are living in fear and confusion. Some women are still searching for their husbands after the attacks,” he added.

He said the attacks were the first recorded in the district and alleged that the assailants infiltrated the area from neighbouring Zamfara State through Tureta Local Government Area.

“This is the first time we have experienced such an attack. We suspect the bandits came from Zamfara through Tureta. The attack was devastating,” he said.

The traditional ruler appealed to the Federal and Sokoto State Governments, as well as security agencies, to deploy more personnel to the affected communities to restore peace and enable displaced residents to return to their homes.

The latest casualty figure comes after sustained attacks on communities in the district, which forced residents of about 30 villages to flee their homes, while more than 1,000 livestock were reportedly rustled by the attackers.