Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen
Armed bandits launched coordinated attacks last night on multiple communities in Sabon-Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, leaving several people dead, many others injured, and a number of residents abducted. The affected villages include Yar Bulutu, Gajit, Alkalawa, Garin Magaji and Damba, according to eyewitnesses who spoke with local monitors this morning.
Residents said the attackers struck almost simultaneously, creating panic across the communities and forcing families to flee in the dark. Many described the incident as one of the most frightening assaults in the area in recent months.
Community members are increasingly worried that the renewed violence may be linked to developments in neighbouring Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State, where reports recently emerged of a truce with bandits under the faction led by notorious warlord Bello Turji. Local sources believe this may be fueling heightened attacks across Isa and Sabon-Birni LGAs in Sokoto. These concerns remain observations from residents and have not yet been confirmed by government or security authorities.
Authorities in Sokoto State have been battling persistent insecurity throughout 2025, with several incidents earlier in the year drawing national attention.
One resident recalled how communities in Sabon Birni “struggled to pay a ₦25 million levy imposed by bandit leader Bello Turji,” a figure that was later reportedly negotiated to ₦22 million.
In another attack earlier this year, “11 farmers were reportedly killed in Isa LGA by Turji’s gang as they returned from a Sallah visit.”
There were also major coordinated raids between August 14 and 16 in Sabon Birni, during which “bandits loyal to Turji abducted dozens of villagers, including 28 in one raid.”
Security forces recorded some successes in 2025, including an operation on May 13 when “the Nigerian Army reportedly repelled an attack by suspected bandits in Tsabren Sarki village.”
Other communities were not as fortunate. On July 1, militants believed to be linked to the Islamic State – Sahel Province attacked Kwallajiya village in Tangaza LGA, where “15 people were killed.”
In September, troops rescued nine abducted victims after an ambush near Garin Bature in Sabon Birni LGA, and earlier security reports also confirmed the killing of six Sokoto Community Guard Corps members during a separate attack.
Residents are now calling for urgent intervention from the Sokoto State Government and federal authorities, warning that without stronger action, more lives may be lost as bandits continue to target rural communities with little resistance.
📰 Stone Reporter News
🌍 stonereportersnews.com | ✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com
📘 Facebook: Stone Reports | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments