Amnesty International Condemns Sokoto Attack, Urges Justice for 17 Victims

By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi

Amnesty International has condemned the killing of at least 17 people in Dangulbi community, Tureta Local Government Area, following a deadly bandit attack that claimed the lives of residents and visitors who had returned home for the Eid-el Kabir celebrations.

The rights group described the incident as a tragic reminder of the worsening security situation affecting communities across northwestern Nigeria and called on authorities to take urgent steps to protect civilians and hold perpetrators accountable.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Amnesty International urged the Nigerian government to conduct a thorough investigation into the attack and ensure justice for the victims.

“The Nigerian authorities must urgently investigate this attack, ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice in fair proceedings, and take immediate steps to protect communities that remain at risk” the organisation stated.

The group also called for assistance to be provided to survivors, displaced residents and families who lost loved ones during the attack.

Residents said heavily armed bandits riding motorcycles stormed Dangulbi on Sunday morning, firing indiscriminately, looting shops and forcing villagers to flee into nearby forests.

According to local sources, the attackers reportedly arrived between 10a.m and 11a.m after moving through communities in Zamfara State and spending the previous night in a nearby settlement before launching the assault.

A resident who witnessed the attack said the gunmen opened fire immediately upon entering the village, causing panic as people scattered in search of safety.

The victims included both community members and visitors who had travelled home to celebrate Sallah with their families. At least seven of those killed were said to have returned from other locations for the Eid festivities.

Among those reported dead were Munde, Nagoma, Abdullahi, Danbala, Munden Chana, Muhammadu Dan Amo, Hassan, Abubakar Danbaba and Yidi Bafillace.

Local accounts indicated that five of the victims came from Adarawa in Gummi Local Government Area, while two others had travelled from Gidan Gambo in Shagari Local Government Area.

Amnesty International said the attack highlights the vulnerability of rural communities that continue to face repeated raids by armed groups. The organisation noted that persistent violence has resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement of residents and severe disruption to farming and other economic activities.

It added that the killing of people who had returned home to celebrate Eid el Kabir made the tragedy even more devastating, stressing that no community should live under the constant threat of violence.

The organisation further warned that recurring attacks across Sokoto and neighbouring states demonstrate the urgent need for a more effective and coordinated security response.