Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A night of terror unfolded in the Kwaren Gamba community of Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Sokoto State, when bandits loyal to the notorious leader Bello Turji launched a deadly attack, leaving two people dead, three others injured, and several residents abducted. The assault, which occurred on the night of July 18, 2026, has once again plunged the community into mourning and heightened fears over the worsening insecurity that continues to plague the Sokoto East region.
According to reports, the heavily armed attackers stormed the community under the cover of darkness, shooting sporadically and causing panic among residents. The gunmen killed two people on the spot and left three others with varying degrees of injuries. Several residents were also abducted by the attackers, who reportedly fled into the surrounding bushes after the raid. The identities of the victims have not yet been officially released, while the injured are currently receiving treatment at undisclosed medical facilities.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents linked to Bello Turji, whose group has been blamed for numerous deadly raids, kidnappings, and acts of terror across the Sabon Birni and Isa axis of Sokoto State. Turji's group has carried out numerous kidnappings and terror attacks across the zone, particularly in the Sabon Birni axis, and communities in Shinkafi, Isa, Sabon Birni, Goronyo and neighbouring local government areas have remained among the worst affected by attacks linked to armed groups operating along the Sokoto-Zamfara border corridor.
The persistent attacks have fueled fear, displacement, and loss of lives in the affected communities. In a previous post, security analyst Bakatsine, who has been documenting the attacks in the region, asked: "How long will these communities continue to endure this cycle of terror without a decisive end to the attacks?". The Kwaren Gamba community has been a recurring target of armed groups loyal to Bello Turji, with frequent raids, abductions, and killings reported in the area.
The attack on Kwaren Gamba highlights the deteriorating security situation in Sokoto East, where residents have endured repeated attacks on farmers during the rainy season for more than a decade, with many abandoning their farms because of persistent insecurity. Despite the presence of security personnel, attacks have continued unabated. The Sokoto State Government has stated that it remains fully committed to restoring lasting peace in Isa, Sabon Birni, Goronyo, Rabah, and every other part of Sokoto State. However, residents continue to complain about attacks occurring despite the presence of security personnel.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the attack. The absence of a swift security response has further heightened anxiety among residents, who are demanding answers and action from the government. The attack on Kwaren Gamba serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the banditry crisis in Sokoto State, where communities continue to bear the brunt of violence that has shown no signs of abating.
For the people of Sabon Birni and the wider Sokoto East region, the question remains: how much longer will the Bello Turji group continue to terrorise communities before decisive action is taken?
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