Bandits Kidnap Eight in Sokoto Community, Including Deputy Governor’s Relatives

Fahad Faruk Galadanchi

Suspected bandits have abducted eight persons during a midnight raid on Garin Idi village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State with several of the victims said to be relatives of the state deputy governor.

Residents said the gunmen, who reportedly rode into the village on about eight motorcycles, struck around 1:00 a.m on Thursday shooting repeatedly and causing panic as villagers fled into nearby bushes and other safe locations.

Locals disclosed that the attackers remained in the community for nearly two hours without any response from security operatives.

A resident said the intensity of the gunfire left many terrified, adding that the community has become accustomed to such attacks but feels abandoned.

Another source said the assailants initially rounded up about 30 people mainly women and children, but later freed some of them before leaving with eight captives because of limited space on their motorcycles.

The abducted persons were identified as Hassana Adare Maifata, Rabi Alhaji Ishaqa, Kwamuso Umar, Yar’aji Garba, Kabiru Alkasim, Sani Muazu, Jadi Alkasim, who was reportedly sick, and another woman believed to be a half sister of the deputy governor.

Sources said most of those taken are members of the deputy governor’s family.

The bandits also reportedly looted a phone charging shop in the village, making away with more than 100 mobile phones, several power banks and 40,000 naira cash after the operator fled.

Residents called on the government, especially the deputy governor, to urgently address the worsening insecurity in the area.

They said it was painful that despite their family ties to the deputy governor, the community continues to suffer repeated attacks without support.

Attempts to reach the spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.