Armed bandits killed six residents, including the Village Head of Kulodo, Alhaji Abubakar Tudu, and his eldest son, Abubakar Abubakar, during a violent raid in Sokoto State. The attack occurred while residents were observing the Asr prayer in the Bodinga local government area.
Attack Details and Casualties
The bandits also killed another resident in the neighbouring Kwance village during the same raid. A security source told Daily Trust that the assailants invaded Kulodo and Kwance villages in large numbers on motorcycles and opened fire indiscriminately. The victims in Kulodo included the village head, his eldest son, Rufa'i Bala, Muhammad Sanusi, and Aliyu Dan-Uti. In Kwance village, Yellow Dikko was killed.
The source stated: "The bandits invaded the communities in large numbers and immediately began shooting. They killed the village head, his eldest son and four other residents before moving to the neighbouring village, where they also killed another person."
Livestock Rustling and Displacement
In addition to the killings, the armed bandits rustled a large number of livestock but did not kidnap any villagers. The source lamented the devastating impact, noting that the attack forced women and children to flee both communities. "The situation is devastating. Virtually all the women and children have fled, leaving behind only a few men," the source added.
Protests Erupt Over Rising Insecurity
On Friday, scores of youths blocked the busy Sokoto-Jega highway to protest against persistent bandit attacks. The demonstrators set bonfires on the road, disrupting traffic for several hours before a combined team of security operatives dispersed them.
Broader Context of Bandit Violence
Nigeria's insecurity crisis continues to worsen, with armed groups targeting vulnerable communities. Just days earlier, on July 1, 2026, bandits killed a chief imam and at least two others in Sokoto State. In another incident, suspected bandits attacked Illela Dawagware village, killing an imam and three other residents before abducting 12 people. Residents alleged that security personnel failed to respond to repeated distress calls despite offers to provide fuel for reinforcement. Survivors said many villagers decided to spend their nights at the Goronyo IDP camp following renewed fears of another attack.
In a separate incident in Niger State, armed bandits attacked Pissa village, resulting in three deaths and destroying homes. The military engaged the bandits during the assault, but details remain unclear. The state police command confirmed the terrorist activity while urging community vigilance and safety measures.
