In a devastating wave of violence, armed bandits have struck two separate communities within Sokoto State's Sabon-Birni Local Government Area, leaving a trail of death and abduction. The coordinated assaults, which occurred on Saturday, December 6, 2025, targeted both a place of worship and a residential area.
Morning Prayer Turned Deadly in Kiba Ruwa
The first attack unfolded in the early hours of Saturday. Bandits invaded the Kiba Ruwa community while Muslim faithful were observing the Subh (dawn) prayer. According to details shared by journalist and security analyst Bakatsine, the assailants stormed the local mosque and opened fire directly on the worshippers.
The brutal assault resulted in the confirmed death of two individuals. Tragically, one of the victims was the Imam who was leading the congregational prayer at the time of the invasion. In addition to the killings, the gunmen seized several worshippers, taking them to an unknown destination. The precise number of people abducted from the mosque remains unverified as authorities continue their investigations.
Night Raid on Gatawa Community
In a similarly tragic incident that same day, armed bandits launched another attack after nightfall. The Gatawa community, also in Sabon-Birni LGA, was invaded by the criminals. This nighttime raid led to multiple casualties, with several residents reported killed and others sustaining various injuries.
During this invasion, the attackers also abducted an unspecified number of people from their homes. As with the earlier attack, the exact figures for those killed and kidnapped in Gatawa had not been officially confirmed at the time initial reports emerged.
Community in Mourning, Calls for Action
Bakatsine brought the incidents to public light through a post on the social media platform X on Sunday, detailing the grim events. The back-to-back attacks have plunged the affected communities into mourning and heightened fear. These incidents underscore the persistent security challenges faced by residents in parts of Northwestern Nigeria, where bandit activity continues to disrupt lives and livelihoods.
The repeated targeting of soft targets, including a mosque, highlights the brazen nature of the assaults. Local authorities and security agencies are expected to intensify efforts to secure the area, rescue the abducted victims, and prevent further attacks on the vulnerable communities in Sokoto State.
