Suspected armed bandits have reportedly killed 15 people and injured several others in the Kwallajiya community in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The fresh armed attack, according to findings by our correspondent, occurred on Tuesday.
Local sources confirmed that the gunmen stormed the village in the early hours, opening fire indiscriminately on residents.
The attack, which occurred in the Mogonho area of the community, sources say, was carried out by suspected bandits led by a notorious bandit kingpin identified as Charambe.
The Executive Chairman of Tangaza Local Government Council, Hon. Isa Salihu Bashir Kalanjeni, led a delegation to the village and attended the mass burial of the victims.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants shot sporadically, killing 15 on the spot, while seven others sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries and are currently receiving treatment in local hospitals.
The Tangaza axis, like many other border communities in Sokoto State, has become a hotspot for banditry and kidnapping, owing to its porous boundaries with the Republic of Niger and neighbouring local government areas such as Gwadabawa and Illela.
Speaking on the incident, some community members expressed deep concern over the unrelenting violence, attributing the attacks to ongoing support and shelter allegedly given to criminals by a few collaborators within the communities.
One of the residents who spoke anonymously with our correspondent said, “We are tired of this bloodshed. The people of Sokoto State have suffered enough.
“We urge the government and security agencies to intensify their efforts and for communities to cooperate fully in exposing those aiding these criminals.”
While commending the efforts of the Sokoto State Government in addressing the security crisis, residents of the community also offered prayers for the repose of the souls of the victims and lasting peace across the North-West region.
“May Allah forgive the departed and bring an end to this scourge of violence in our land,” another resident added.
As of press time, the Sokoto State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement as investigations continue. (Punch)
