Deadly Bandit Attack in Sokoto Leaves 17 Dead
A tragic incident occurred in Dangulbi community, Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where heavily armed bandits launched a brutal assault resulting in the deaths of at least 17 people. The attack, which took place on Sunday morning, May 31, saw a large group of gunmen on motorcycles invade the community and open fire on residents, causing widespread panic and forcing many to flee.
Attack Details
Witnesses reported that the assailants arrived between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. and immediately started shooting. Residents ran in different directions in search of safety, but 17 people lost their lives. Among the deceased were community members and visitors who had come for Eid al-Kabir celebrations. Some of the victims identified include Munde, Nagoma, Abdullahi, Danbala, Munden Chana, Muhammadu Dan Amo, Hassan, Abubakar Danbaba, and Yidi Bafillace. Five of the deceased were from Adarawa in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, while two others came from Gidan Gambo in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Looting and Aftermath
The attackers also looted approximately 20 shops and remained in the area for several hours, preventing residents from retrieving and burying the bodies. The gunmen stayed until about 7 p.m., making it impossible for anyone to come out. Funeral prayers were eventually conducted after 9:30 p.m. when the attackers left. The bandits also moved through nearby settlements like Kukoki and Birnin Magaji, where several people were abducted. However, the captives later escaped during a heavy rainstorm that disrupted their captors' movement.
Community Response
Many families have relocated to safer communities across Tureta, Shagari, Gummi, and Bukkuyum local government areas. Community members are calling on the federal and state governments to strengthen security deployment and improve road networks in the area, arguing that poor road conditions slow emergency responses during attacks.
Official Confirmation
The spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the incident and stated that security agencies are taking steps to restore normalcy in the affected community.
Related Incident
In a separate incident, the monarch of Agamọ Community in Akure North Local Government Area, Oba Kehinde Falodun, was reportedly killed by suspected bandits during an attempted abduction at his palace.
