At least five persons have been killed after suspected Lakurawa bandits attacked Maganho community in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The attack, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, has once again raised fears over the worsening security situation in parts of the state, especially in border communities.
A local source who confirmed the incident said the gunmen stormed the village at about 1 pm. According to him, the attackers rode into the community on motorcycles and began firing shots into the air and at residents.
“The bandits stormed the community at about 1 pm, riding motorcycles and firing sporadically, resulting in the killing of the victims and the injury of others,” the source said.
He added that the attackers also rustled a large number of livestock belonging to villagers. Most of the residents of Maganho are farmers and cattle rearers who depend on their animals and crops for survival.
“This attack is not the first time they have come here to attack our people. Our local government has now become a target of the Lakurawa bandits and other terrorist activities, making daily life difficult for residents,” he said.
The victims of the attack were later buried according to Islamic rites, as is common practice in the largely Muslim community. Residents offered prayers for the repose of their souls and asked Allah to grant their families the strength to bear the loss.
A senior police officer in Sokoto State, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media, confirmed the attack. He said security agencies had begun an investigation and that efforts were ongoing to track down the perpetrators.
Tangaza Local Government Area is one of the communities in Sokoto State that shares a border with the Niger Republic. In recent years, border communities in Sokoto have faced repeated attacks by armed groups operating across both sides of the border.
The Lakurawa bandits have emerged as one of the most active armed groups in the area. Their activities are concentrated mainly in Tangaza, Gudu, Illela, Sabon Birni and parts of Binji local government areas.
Security sources and residents say the group often carries out coordinated attacks on rural communities. They usually arrive in large numbers on motorcycles, target villages with little or no security presence, and leave before reinforcements can arrive.
Over time, residents and local authorities have blamed the bandits for killings, abductions, cattle rustling and the burning of homes. Farmers in affected areas have also complained about illegal levies imposed by the armed groups before they are allowed to cultivate their land.
For many villagers, the repeated attacks have disrupted farming activities and local trade. Some families have been forced to flee their homes, while others remain in fear.
A resident of Tangaza, who did not want his name published for security reasons, said people now live in constant anxiety.
“Many of us are afraid to go to our farms. We depend on farming and livestock, but these bandits keep attacking us and taking our animals. We need more security in this area,” he said.
Following Wednesday’s attack, residents called on the state and federal governments to urgently deploy more security personnel to the affected communities.
They said while security forces are trying their best, the vast land area and difficult terrain make it easier for bandits to strike and escape.
Community leaders in Tangaza have also appealed for improved intelligence gathering and stronger border patrols to prevent armed groups from moving freely between Nigeria and the Niger Republic.
The North-West region of Nigeria has faced serious security challenges in the past decade. What started as cattle rustling and local disputes has grown into organised armed banditry, with some groups reportedly forming links with terrorist networks.
Sokoto State, though not as heavily affected as some neighbouring states in the past, has seen a rise in attacks in recent years, especially in border local government areas.
In December 2025, the security situation in Sokoto drew international attention after the United States Africa Command carried out airstrikes on suspected terrorist camps in the state.
The strikes, conducted on Christmas Day in coordination with Nigerian authorities, were aimed at disrupting armed groups operating in the North-West. Security officials said the operation targeted factions linked to cross-border banditry and terrorism.
The Nigerian military has also carried out several ground and air operations across Sokoto and neighbouring states in an effort to flush out armed groups.
Despite these efforts, attacks have continued in some rural communities, raising concerns about the ability of security forces to fully secure remote areas.
In Maganho community, residents are still in shock following the latest attack. Families of the victims have been receiving sympathisers, while local leaders continue to meet over ways to improve community safety.
Religious leaders have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could help prevent future attacks.
As investigations continue, many in Tangaza hope that the latest tragedy will prompt stronger action from authorities.
For now, fear remains high among villagers who worry that another attack could happen at any time.
Leave a Reply