Fresh rounds of bandit attacks in Sokoto has killed at least 11 people in communities across the State’s Rabah and Sabon Birni local government areas, deepening concerns over the region’s worsening security situation.
The most recent assault occurred Monday when bandits raided Maikujera village in Rabah LGA, killing seven people, including two members of the Sokoto Community Guard Corps (SCGC).
During the raid, the attackers also killed three women in the neighboring village of Angamba.
These attacks came less than 24 hours after suspected bandits in military camouflage raided Unguwan Lalle hamlet in Sabon Birni LGA, where they killed four civilians and wounded several others.
According to security officials, the terrorists invaded Maikujera on more than 30 motorcycles around 2:30 p.m., opening fire on inhabitants and kidnapping an unknown number of individuals.
An SCGC operative confirmed that bandits killed two corps members as they defended the community.
He also noted that community guards operate under tough conditions due to inadequate logistics, including a shortage of armored vehicles and ammunition.
According to Daily Trust, a police source stated that authorities believe the attackers entered the area from Bakura in neighboring Zamfara State.
The attackers apparently attempted to rustle livestock and opened fire when residents resisted. Despite a nearby military post, security personnel arrived only after the gunmen fled into the Bakura forest.
Govt Orders Closure of Schools
Amid the recurring bandit attacks in Sokoto, the State Government has ordered all public primary and secondary schools outside the state capital to close immediately due to the deteriorating security situation.
The decision, which took effect on Monday, exempts schools in Sokoto North and Sokoto South LGAs, alongside selected schools in Wamakko, Dange Shuni, and Kware.
Prof. Ahmed Ladan Ala, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, stated that the ministry acted on a Federal Government directive to protect students and staff amid rising insecurity.
Following this directive, all affected public schools in the state will be closed until further notice.
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Backstory…
In a previous attack on Unguwan Lalle, villagers reported that over 200 heavily armed gunmen in military camouflage stormed the hamlet at 8 p.m. on Sunday and operated for nearly six hours.
Residents stated that the attackers raided homes and shops, stole livestock, and fired at fleeing locals.
Residents also noted that the gunmen struck less than an hour after troops, who had responded to an earlier security threat, withdrew from the village.
DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, confirmed that attackers killed a farmer in the area, but added that officers are still investigating the full details of the Unguwan Lalle incident.
