Gunmen have killed a man and his young daughter and abducted 17 residents in an attack on Garin Faji village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The assault occurred on Wednesday, April 29, according to local sources.
Attack Details
The attackers reportedly arrived around midnight on foot, leaving their motorcycles far from the village to avoid detection. A resident told Daily Trust that he heard gunshots at about 12:00 a.m. and quickly hid. The bandits entered the home of Haruna Dan Kwambo, where they killed him and his 8-year-old daughter. They also kidnapped his two wives and other family members. In total, 17 people were abducted, including only three men, with the rest being women and children. The gunmen also stole about 50 cows before fleeing after about an hour.
Residents Appeal for Help
Villagers said such incidents have occurred before, recalling a previous tragedy where people died after their boat capsized while trying to escape an attack. Residents noted that security presence in the area is minimal and called on authorities to rescue their abducted relatives. “The situation is becoming unbearable,” one resident said.
Related Insecurity Incidents
In a similar attack in Plateau State, gunmen killed Reverend Ayuba Choji, his wife, and two children in Gako village, Riyom LGA. The assailants arrived around 11 p.m., shooting sporadically and causing panic. Local sources described coordinated attacks involving road blockades and farmland destruction.
In Benue State, gunmen attacked Olegabulu community in Agatu LGA, killing a traditional ruler, his wife, son, and two others. The attackers, who spoke the local dialect, arrived on motorcycles and operated for about 20 minutes before fleeing.
Additionally, a young man named Ben Agir died after being beaten by vigilantes in Buruku LGA, Benue, over suspected motorcycle theft. He was stopped during a night patrol and allegedly denied a chance to explain himself before the assault. He later died at a hospital.
