Fresh Bandit Attack Hits Five Sokoto Communities, Leaves Residents Injured
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
Suspected bandits on Tuesday launched coordinated attacks on five communities in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State, injuring residents and rustling a large number of livestock.
The affected communities are Kaura, Wanke, Sage, Marake and Aggur were invaded in the early hours of the day as the gunmen fired indiscriminately, forcing terrified residents to flee into nearby bushes.
Witnesses said the attackers moved from one community to another, making away with numerous cattle and other domestic animals. Two residents were reportedly shot in the legs, while several others sustained injuries in the ensuing chaos.
The injured victims were rushed to the General Hospital in Shagari, where they are currently receiving treatment.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the attackers operated unhindered for several hours, leaving the communities devastated.
“They came in large numbers and began shooting. Everyone fled into the bush to escape. They took away many of our animals and shot two people in the legs. We are living in constant fear because these attacks have become too frequent” the resident said.
Another resident described the incident as a major setback for families whose livelihoods depend largely on livestock.
“Our animals are our only means of survival. We use them to feed our families, pay school fees and meet other basic needs. Losing them is like losing everything. We are pleading with the government and security agencies to provide adequate protection before the situation worsens” the resident said.
The attack has further heightened concerns over the growing insecurity across rural communities in Sokoto State, where repeated incidents of banditry, cattle rustling and forced displacement continue despite ongoing military operations.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said the gunmen were the same bandits who later carried out an attack in the Kebbe Local Government Area.
He explained that the criminals deliberately fired sporadically while passing through Shagari to create panic among residents, making it easier to steal livestock.
According to Rufa’i, “It is part of their tactics. Whenever they move to a place, they shoot indiscriminately to scare people away, and in the process they rustle cattle”.
The police spokesperson said security agencies are continuing efforts to combat banditry and protect vulnerable communities across the state.
