Deadly Attack on Barayar Zaki Community
Suspected bandits have killed two residents, injured four others, and abducted nine people, including two pregnant women and three children, during a fresh attack on Barayar Zaki community in Kwargaba Ward, Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The attackers, said to be more than 20, stormed the village shortly after a heavy rainfall on Sunday, July 19, 2026, and operated from 10pm until about 12:40 a.m. on Monday.
Residents Forced to Flee
A resident who spoke to Daily Trust on condition of anonymity said villagers only returned after the attackers had left. “We started hearing sporadic gunshots immediately they arrived, forcing everyone to run into the nearby bush. When we came back, we found that they had killed two people, injured four others and abducted nine residents,” the resident said.
Victims Identified
The victims killed were identified as Abubakar Musa and Bello Madubi, while Hamisu Garba, Usman Sani, Lawali Mamman and Isah Bako sustained gunshot injuries. According to the resident, those abducted comprised six women and three men, including two pregnant women and three children. He added that the bandits also rustled a large number of livestock during the attack.
Recurring Insecurity in Kwargaba Ward
The source said the attack happened barely 10 days after bandits invaded neighbouring Arba and Koliyal communities, where they killed one person and abducted 12 others. He lamented that insecurity has continued to worsen across communities under Kwargaba Ward, saying more than 60 residents were currently being held captive by bandits. He said eleven of those still in captivity were abducted from Arba community, about 35 from Gidan Modi despite the release of eight victims after ransom payments, while seven others abducted from Sabon Garin Daje have yet to regain their freedom.
Appeal for Government Intervention
The resident appealed to the federal and Sokoto State governments to urgently reinforce security in the area, saying residents could no longer sleep peacefully due to persistent attacks from the bandits. “We try to defend our communities whenever they attack, but they have superior weapons and always overpower us. Most of the people we lose are killed while confronting the attackers because no security help comes. We are pleading with the government to look at our communities with compassion before the situation gets worse,” he said.
