Thousands Displaced as Bandit Attacks Ravage Sokoto Communities — NEMA
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has disclosed that recent bandit attacks in Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State have displaced thousands of residents, forcing them to flee their homes in search of safety.
The agency made this known in a statement posted on its official X handle on Wednesday following an assessment conducted by its Sokoto Operations Office in communities affected by the attacks.
According to NEMA, the assessment was prompted by a series of bandit incursions that occurred on June 7 and June 9, 2026, in Dan Gulbi community, where several lives were reportedly lost.
Findings from the exercise revealed widespread displacement across the affected areas, with many residents seeking refuge in public facilities and neighbouring communities.
“Findings from the assessment revealed that the recurring attacks have displaced thousands of residents, forcing them to flee their homes in search of safety” the agency stated.
NEMA reported that many of the displaced persons are currently taking shelter in Tureta town, particularly at JNI Primary School and Abdulbaki Model Primary School, while others have relocated to Tsamiya Ward, Duma Ward, and nearby communities within Tureta Local Government Area.
The agency added that some residents have also fled to Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State in search of safety.
During the assessment, reports also emerged of another attack on Achi Asha Ruwa community, where additional casualties were recorded.
“The assessment further indicated that thousands of people have been affected by the violence, with some individuals sustaining varying degrees of injuries. Several shops and means of livelihood were also reportedly looted and destroyed during the attacks, worsening the humanitarian situation in the affected communities” NEMA said.
The agency noted that access to some of the affected communities remains difficult due to ongoing security challenges, hampering humanitarian assessment and response efforts.
“The assessment team observed that access to several affected locations remains difficult due to the prevailing security challenges, posing significant constraints to humanitarian assessment and response operations” the statement added.
NEMA said it is working closely with relevant stakeholders and security agencies to determine the full extent of the damage and facilitate humanitarian assistance for affected populations.
