A fresh wave of violence has hit Sokoto State as suspected bandits attacked Sayinna village in Tangaza Local Government Area, killing the village head and one other resident in the early hours of Thursday.
According to local sources, the attack happened around 1:30 a.m. when heavily armed gunmen believed to be part of the Lakurawa gang stormed the quiet rural community, shooting sporadically.
Two men lost their lives in the attack — the 47-year-old village head, Murtala Sa’adu, and another resident, Ibrahim Mai-Kudi, both indigenes of Sayinna village.
Witnesses say the gunmen arrived silently and opened fire without warning. The community was thrown into panic as families ran for safety during the gunfire.
The attackers, who were reportedly carrying sophisticated weapons, fled into nearby bushes after the killings, before security forces could arrive.
In response to the incident, troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA were deployed to the area. The soldiers evacuated the victims and moved them to a nearby hospital. Sadly, both men were confirmed dead on arrival.
A military source said patrols in and around Tangaza Local Government Area have now been intensified to prevent further attacks and to track down the fleeing attackers.
Sayinna village, like many rural communities in Sokoto State, has been facing frequent attacks from bandits and armed gangs operating in the North-West zone of the country.
These criminals often raid villages, kill innocent residents, loot homes, and sometimes abduct people for ransom. The security situation in parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina has led to displacement and fear among residents.
As of the time of filing this report, the Sokoto State Police Command has not issued an official statement on the incident.
However, residents of Sayinna and surrounding villages are appealing for more protection, fearing more attacks in the days ahead.
