At least 52 people were reportedly killed and more than 15 communities deserted after coordinated bandit attacks across Tureta and Sabon Birni local government areas of Sokoto State, forcing hundreds of residents to flee their homes.
No fewer than 52 people have reportedly been killed and more than 15 communities deserted following coordinated attacks by bandits in Tureta and Sabon Birni local government areas of Sokoto State. Residents said the attacks, which occurred between Sunday and Wednesday, left dozens dead, hundreds displaced and scores of houses destroyed as heavily armed assailants stormed several villages. The violence reportedly began in Dan Gulbi community in Tureta LGA on Sunday before spreading to neighbouring settlements, with residents fleeing in large numbers to safer locations.
A resident of Dan Gulbi, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers returned on Tuesday and launched fresh assaults on Dan Gulbi, Dansanberu, Baga, Jandutsi and surrounding communities. According to him, more than 10 people were killed in Dan Gulbi, another 10 in Dansanberu, five in Baga and two in Jandutsi. He listed the deserted communities as Dan Gulbi, Dansanberu, Jandutsi, Baga, Barayar Giwa, Birisawa, Mallanje and Ketare. “These villages are practically empty. People only return briefly to pick food items before going back to where they are taking refuge,” he said. The source added that seven victims had so far been buried, while several bodies were still believed to be lying in nearby forests. “We have buried seven people so far, but there are still bodies in the bush. We were unable to retrieve them because of fear. We have heard that security personnel have been deployed to help recover the remaining corpses,” he said.
Residents said the attacks also left at least five people injured and destroyed about 80 houses across the affected communities. One resident lamented the scale of the destruction, saying, “I lost everything. My shop was burnt down, while some residents lost properties worth millions of naira. One individual alone lost goods valued at about N7 million.” An injured victim receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, recounted how he was attacked while working on his farm. “We were planting when we suddenly saw more than 100 motorcycles carrying heavily armed bandits. People were being shot and killed. I tried to escape, but they pursued me and shot me in both hands,” he said. Meanwhile, residents of Gangara and Dantasakko communities in Sabon Birni LGA said at least six people were killed in separate attacks carried out between Tuesday and Wednesday, further deepening fears over worsening insecurity in the state.
READ THE FULL STORY IN DAILY TRUST
NEWS NOW:
