Bandits Strike Sokoto Village in Deadly Night Raid
Armed bandits known for their loyalty to notorious kingpin Bello Turji launched a brutal attack on Kurawa village in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The assault, which occurred late on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, resulted in the tragic death of two individuals and the abduction of fifteen others.
Details of the Attack and Victims
The attackers, who were reportedly carrying sophisticated weapons, stormed the community around 11:30 pm. Among those killed was a respected community leader identified as Alhaji Isu Saraki. The violence also left two people injured, including a member of the Sokoto State Community Guards, who are now receiving medical treatment.
Confirming the harrowing incident to Daily Trust, Hon. Sa’idu Ibrahim, the lawmaker representing the area, provided a detailed breakdown of the abductees. He stated that 15 people were taken by the assailants. "The abductees include six women, four of whom are nursing mothers. Their babies were also taken, along with five teenagers aged between 14 and 15," he revealed.
Security Failures and Regional Context
Hon. Ibrahim linked the increase in attacks on communities in his constituency to ongoing military operations in neighbouring Zamfara State and a peace initiative in Katsina. He expressed skepticism about the initiative's success, arguing that "the bandits are not willing to surrender their arms."
The lawmaker further highlighted a critical security failure, noting that although mobile police officers had been redeployed to the area, they failed to remain at their assigned posts, leaving the community vulnerable. This attack is part of a disturbing pattern, as it comes just a day after bandits invaded the Tarah community, also in Sabon Birni LGA, abducting nine residents and injuring one. That earlier incident was reported to have occurred shortly after local vigilante members were redeployed to Katsira.
