17 Killed as Bandits Invade Sokoto Community, Loot Shops
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
No fewer than 17 people have been killed following a deadly bandit attack on Dangulbi community in Tureta Local Government Area, with residents reporting that the assailants also looted dozens of shops and abducted several villagers.
The attack occurred on Sunday morning when hundreds of gunmen riding motorcycles reportedly stormed the community, shooting indiscriminately and sending residents fleeing into nearby bushes for safety.
Local sources said the attackers were suspected to have travelled from Bagega village in Zamfara State through Barayar Zaki in Bukkuyum Local Government Area before spending the night in Gizazza village ahead of the operation.
A resident who spoke anonymously said the bandits arrived between 10 a.m. and 11a.m opening fire immediately upon entering the town.
“They came in large numbers and started shooting at anyone in sight. People ran for their lives, but many were caught in the attack” the resident said.
Among those killed were several residents as well as seven visitors who had travelled to Dangulbi for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. Five of the victims were reportedly from Adarawa in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, while two others came from Gidan Gambo in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Residents said the gunmen maintained a presence in the community for hours after the attack, making it impossible for families to retrieve the bodies of victims or conduct burials.
According to witnesses, the dead were not buried until late in the evening after the attackers finally withdrew from the area.
The assailants were also said to have looted about 20 shops before advancing to nearby settlements, including Kukoki and Birnin Magaji, where several residents were reportedly abducted. However, locals claimed some of the abductees managed to escape later in the night during a rainstorm.
The attack has forced many families to abandon their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring communities across Tureta, Shagari, Gummi and Bukkuyum local government areas.
Residents have called on security agencies and government authorities to strengthen security presence in the area and improve road networks to enable faster response to distress calls.
The latest bloodshed underscores the persistent security challenges facing rural communities in the Sokoto Zamfara axis, where repeated attacks by armed groups continue to threaten lives, livelihoods and agricultural activities.
