Bandits Kidnap Nine, Injure Two in Sokoto Village Attack
In a devastating late-night assault, armed bandits have abducted nine residents and injured two others in Chacho community, located within the Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The violent incident unfolded around 11:00 pm on Wednesday, April 2, 2026, sending shockwaves through the rural settlement.
Details of the Attack
A relative of one of the victims, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, provided a harrowing account of the invasion. According to the source, the attackers infiltrated the village using a route that connects the community to the notorious Sabon Birni forest, a known hideout for bandits operating in the region.
"We were sleeping outside when someone raised the alarm that bandits had attacked our village. We immediately fled for our lives," the relative recounted. "I heard gunshots from another part of the community, as our house is located at the centre of the village."
The bandits specifically targeted vulnerable individuals during the raid, abducting seven women and two elderly men. Two other residents sustained injuries in the chaos and are currently receiving medical treatment at local facilities.
Community Concerns and Security Response
Residents of Chacho community expressed deep frustration and fear over the escalating banditry in their area. Many attributed the persistent attacks to the noticeable absence of adequate security personnel, leaving them exposed to such violent incursions.
When contacted for comment, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, Ahmad Rufai, confirmed that an attack had indeed taken place. However, he noted that police authorities were still in the process of verifying the exact number of abducted victims to ensure accurate reporting.
This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by communities in Sokoto State, where bandit activities continue to disrupt daily life and threaten the safety of residents. The lack of sufficient security presence remains a critical concern for local inhabitants who live in constant fear of further attacks.
