Bandits Kill Father, Son, and Three Others, Abduct 22 in Sokoto Communities
Bandits have unleashed a wave of terror in Sokoto State, killing at least five individuals and abducting 22 others during separate midnight assaults on three communities within the Sabon Birni Local Government Area. The attacks, which occurred between 11 p.m. on Tuesday and 12 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, targeted Sabon Birni town, Dan Aduwa, and Kwaren Gamba, leaving residents in a state of shock and fear.
Sabon Birni Town: Infiltration and Panic
In Sabon Birni town, the gunmen reportedly infiltrated through the Sabon Hegi quarters, an outskirt area, entering from the western side of a cemetery. Residents described scenes of chaos as the attackers shot sporadically, causing widespread panic. "They came in through Sabon Hegi and started shooting indiscriminately. People were running in different directions," a resident recounted. The assault resulted in the deaths of two individuals identified as Abbas Sani and Bala Mai Laya Moriki, while eight others were abducted.
Among those abducted was a visually impaired man, highlighting the brutality of the attack. "They just carried him away. He couldn't even see what was happening," a source revealed. Additionally, it was reported that one of the deceased and five of the abducted victims had traveled from Moriki in Zamfara State for fish business, underscoring the cross-border impact of the violence. Five injured victims are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Sabon Birni. Residents noted that security operatives arrived approximately 20 minutes after the attackers had fled, raising concerns about response times.
Dan Aduwa Village: Wedding Celebration Turns Tragic
In Dan Aduwa village, the bandits struck around midnight, abducting three people, including two bridesmaids and a man. A resident linked the attack to earlier celebratory gunfire during a wedding, suggesting it may have drawn the assailants' attention. "Some youths were firing locally made guns during a wedding. Shortly after, the bandits stormed the village and abducted three people," he explained. Those abducted were identified as Sabiu Saidu, Balira Halliru, and Maryam Mansur. Fortunately, no deaths or injuries were recorded in this village, but the incident has left the community on edge.
Kwaren Gamba: Unexpected Motorcycle Assault
In Kwaren Gamba, the attackers arrived on motorcycles at about 11:05 p.m., killing three people and abducting 11 others. "They attacked us unexpectedly and started shooting. Three people were killed, while 11 others — six men and five women — were abducted," a resident stated. The deceased were identified as Malam Yakubu, his son Kabir Yakubu, and another resident named Yakubu, marking a tragic loss for the community. The source added that security operatives later intervened, preventing further casualties, but the damage had already been done.
Official Confirmation and Broader Implications
When contacted, Aminu Boza, the member representing Sabon Birni North in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, confirmed the attacks but did not provide specific casualty figures. This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region, with banditry continuing to threaten lives and disrupt daily activities. The attacks underscore the need for enhanced security measures and timely responses to protect vulnerable communities in Sokoto State.
