Bandits have killed the Chief Imam of Talluje village in Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State, along with two other residents, in a coordinated attack on two communities. The assault began at approximately 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, targeting the Talluje and Chofi communities in Danchadi District, and lasted for nearly two hours, according to local sources.
Attack details and casualties
The attack left three people dead, including the Chief Imam of Talluje, and forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes. This incident marks the third killing of a Chief Imam by bandits in Sokoto State within the past few weeks, raising concerns about the security situation in the region. A community leader in Danchadi told Daily Trust that the assailants launched simultaneous attacks on both communities, shooting indiscriminately before escaping with an unspecified number of rustled livestock.
“The attacks started around 4:00 p.m. and continued until about 6:00 p.m. The bandits killed the Chief Imam of Talluje and two other persons whose identities have yet to be confirmed,” the community leader said.
Mass displacement and livestock rustling
The attacks triggered mass displacement, with residents, mostly women and children, fleeing on foot to safer areas in Danchadi and Bodinga town. “As I speak, many people are arriving in our communities carrying their belongings after escaping from the affected villages,” the source added. Another resident confirmed that the attackers also rustled a large number of livestock, although the exact figure could not be immediately verified.
Police response and security concerns
A senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the attack and the killing of the Chief Imam. “We have received reports of the attack and have mobilized our anti-kidnapping unit to the area because there are fears the bandits may return,” the officer said. According to residents, the attackers entered the communities through Duma village, which shares a border with Tureta Local Government Area, riding on motorcycles.
