In a harrowing incident that has left a community in Sokoto State devastated, armed bandits launched a brutal attack, shooting a young man and abducting his sister, a bride-to-be, along with twelve other individuals. The attack occurred in the quiet hours of Saturday, November 29, 2025, in Chacho village, Wurno Local Government Area.
A Father's Traumatic Account of the Attack
The heartbroken father, Malam Umar Chacho, provided a detailed account of the terrifying ordeal while speaking in his village on Monday, December 1, 2025. He described the moment the peace of the night was shattered by the sound of gunfire. "We were sitting outside when we heard gunshots," Mallam Umar recounted. "I immediately told my friends that those were not the usual gunshots fired by our community guards."
Before they could fully comprehend the danger, the assailants arrived on motorcycles. Mallam Umar and his companions fled into a nearby bush for safety. However, his son attempted a different escape route. The bandits shot the young man, inflicting injuries to his cheek and breaking his left hand, as he tried to flee from the attackers.
The Kidnapping of the Bride and Wedding Party
After shooting Mallam Umar's son, the gunmen proceeded directly to the room where his daughter—the intended bride—and her bridesmaids were sleeping. The father narrated the chilling details: "They threatened to shoot the door open if no one unlocked it. Eventually, one of the occupants opened the door, and the bandits took my daughter and her friends away."
The attack was not limited to the wedding party. The terrorists also abducted two elderly men from the community. In total, thirteen people were kidnapped during the midnight raid. This group included the bride, her bridesmaids, several well-wishers who had gathered for the wedding festivities, and the two older men.
Growing Insecurity and a Pattern of Attacks
This attack in Sokoto is part of a disturbing pattern of violence plaguing several northern states. The incident occurred just one day before another brazen attack on Sunday, November 30, 2025, where gunmen stormed the newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Kogi State, kidnapping a pastor, his wife, and other members during a service.
Furthermore, on Monday, December 1, 2025, a fierce gun battle erupted between security operatives and armed bandits on the Oshokoshoko–Obajana highway in Kogi State, trapping travelers for hours. These consecutive incidents highlight the severe and escalating security challenges facing these regions, with communities living in constant fear of such invasions.
The kidnapping in Chacho village has sent shockwaves through Sokoto State, leaving families in anguish and the broader community traumatized. It underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures and effective strategies to combat banditry and protect vulnerable citizens from such coordinated and ruthless attacks.
