Gunfire Rocks Achida as Vigilantes Repel Bandit Attack in Sokoto

Residents of Achida town in Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State spent the night in fear following an attack by suspected bandits on Wednesday night.

A resident, Bello Zannan Achida, told GaskiyaCast that the attackers were believed to have infiltrated the town unnoticed due to the busy market day, which allowed many people to move in and out without strict checks.

He explained that local vigilantes usually receive intelligence from neighboring communities whenever bandits plan an attack. However, on this occasion, there was a breakdown in coordination due to the influx of people for the market, making it difficult to distinguish between residents and intruders.

According to him, at about 12:00 midnight, the bandits, numbering between 15 and 20, stormed the town and began shooting sporadically, causing widespread panic among residents.

Local vigilantes quickly mobilized and engaged the attackers in a gun battle, with the help of the military and police personnel they were forced to retreat.

During the exchange, one of the bandits was shot by the vigilantes. Reports indicate that the fleeing bandits mutilated the face of their injured member to prevent identification. He was later captured by residents, which led to a chaotic scene where the crowd attacked his body and was dismembered.

In the course of the attack, a 25-year-old man was also shot and is currently receiving treatment at the emergency unit of UDUTH.

Meanwhile, Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed foiling a coordinated bandit attack on Illela Village (Achida) and Kwargaba Hamlets in the early hours of April 23, 2026, after responding to a distress call and engaging the attackers in a gun battle.

One bandit was killed while others fled with injuries into Gundumi Forest. However, a local vigilante member was shot dead before security forces arrived.

Authorities have launched a manhunt and urged residents to remain vigilant.