Bandits kill former councillor, abduct residents in fresh Sokoto attack

Kabunga community in Kware Local Government Area of Sokoto State was thrown into mourning late Tuesday after bandits launched a midnight raid that left at least two people dead, including former councillor Alhaji Yahaya Bawa Rumus.

Residents told a security source, Bakatsine, that gunmen stormed the community around midnight, firing sporadically and moving from house to house.

In the confusion, several people were abducted, with families waking up to find loved ones missing.

“The entire community is in shock. They killed our former councillor and one other person. Many people were taken. We don’t even know the number yet,” one resident said, describing the incident as “another night of horror” for a region long under siege.

As of Wednesday morning, security agencies had not issued any official statement, and residents said no reinforcements arrived while the attack lasted.

“The government keeps telling us they are on top of the situation, but people are being killed and abducted every week,” another local said in frustration.

The assault in Kware comes days after coordinated attacks on multiple communities in Sabon-Birni LGA, where terrorists reportedly struck Yar Bulutu, Gajit, Alkalawa, Garin Magaji and Damba, killing several residents, injuring many, and abducting an undisclosed number of people.

The Northwest security source, Bakatsine, described the situation as “SAD NEWS” in a post on X.

Community members fear the renewed violence may be linked to recent developments in neighbouring Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State, particularly a reported truce between government actors and the Bello Turji faction of bandits.

“These concerns are still based on community observations and have not yet been officially confirmed,” the source added.