Bandits Kill 13 in Fresh Sabon Birni Attacks Despite Failed Assault on Sokoto Community
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
Suspected bandits have killed at least 13 people in a fresh wave of attacks on communities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, hours after security forces foiled an attempted invasion of Unguwan Lalle village.
The attacks, carried out between Thursday evening and Friday morning, left six people dead in Mazau village, four others—including two women—in Turtsawa, while three farmers were killed in Tsamaye village.
Residents said the gunmen first launched an assault on Unguwan Lalle on Thursday evening but were met with fierce resistance from troops and local vigilantes. The ensuing gun battle reportedly lasted several hours before the attackers retreated.
A resident, who requested anonymity, said the bandits were believed to have suffered significant losses during the exchange but managed to evacuate their casualties.
Unable to overrun Unguwan Lalle, the attackers reportedly shifted their operation to Mazau, where they killed six residents, before proceeding to Turtsawa and murdering four more people, including two women.
The source said the timely intervention of security personnel prevented the gunmen from inflicting even greater casualties.
The violence continued on Friday morning when the bandits allegedly ambushed farmers heading to their farmlands in Tsamaye village, killing three of them.
According to the resident, the attackers also attempted to disrupt the burial of the victims but were driven back by soldiers stationed in Unguwan Lalle.
A community leader confirmed the incidents, describing them as part of a renewed campaign of violence by armed groups in Sabon Birni. He added that three farmers were abducted by bandits on Wednesday at Fadaman Sabon Birni.
Attempts to obtain comments from the two lawmakers representing Sabon Birni in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Boza and Hon. Sa’idu Ibrahim, were unsuccessful as they did not respond to calls.
When contacted, the spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said he had yet to receive an official report on the attacks.
“I am yet to receive details of the attacks. I will contact the Divisional Police Officer in the area and get back with the necessary information,” he said.
