Bandit Attacks Displace 21 Sokoto Villages, Thousand Peoples, Threaten Children’s Survival

Renewed bandit attacks in parts of Sokoto State have displaced residents of at least 21 villages, leaving thousands of residents mostly women and children struggling to survive under the harsh and unsafe conditions.

The affected communities according to Daily Trust include Gidan Kare, Kaware, Chabi, Dattabi, Janwake, Sha Rana, Darbekami, Gidan Sule, Kuruwa, Mahuta and several others, where repeated raids by armed groups have forced residents to flee their homes.

Many of the displaced have taken refuge in Tureta town and nearby areas, while others spend nights in surrounding bushes to avoid being caught in the fresh attacks.

At Abdulbaki Model Primary School in Tureta, more than 1, 000 internally displaced persons are reportedly sheltering in overcrowded classrooms with little or no access to humanitarian assistance. Children are said to be sleeping on bare floors and exposed to hunger, harsh weather, and psychological trauma.

A resident of Kuruwa village said the persistent attacks left families with no option but to flee for their lives, while another from Gidan Kare described a situation where gunshots are heard almost nightly , leaving children in constant fear.

Women and vulnerable groups have been worst affected. A pregnant woman from Hura Girke, currently taking shelter in a school, decried the lack of food and medical care despite nearing childbirth.

Some displaced families said they now depend on relatives for survival, while others hide in bushes when shelter is unavailable, exposing children to risks such as illness, hunger, and further attacks.

Residents have called on authorities to urgently intervene with improved security and humanitarian support as the crisis continues to worsen.