No fewer than 20 people were reportedly killed on Tuesday when armed bandits launched another deadly attack on Dan Gulbi community in Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State, barely 48 hours after a similar assault left 17 people dead.
The latest attack has heightened fears among residents and renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of Sokoto State and the wider North-West region.
Residents said the attackers arrived in large numbers on motorcycles at about 8:00 a.m. and opened fire indiscriminately on villagers. The sound of gunfire sent residents fleeing into nearby bushes and surrounding communities in search of safety.
According to local sources, the attackers remained in the village for several hours, carrying out their assault without resistance. Several houses were reportedly set ablaze, while many residents remain unaccounted for.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the attackers struck at a time when many people were gathered under sheds and around public places in the community.
“They came and started shooting at us. People ran in different directions to save their lives. Nobody knew where to hide because the gunmen were everywhere,” the resident said.
Community members said the attack left a trail of destruction, with many families mourning loved ones and others searching for missing relatives. Although the exact casualty figure had not been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report, residents insisted that more than 20 people lost their lives in the latest assault.
The attack came just two days after bandits invaded the same community on Sunday. During that earlier raid, gunmen riding on more than 150 motorcycles reportedly killed 17 people, including visitors who had travelled to the area for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
The attackers also looted about 20 shops and carted away valuables, leaving business owners counting their losses.
The repeated attacks within such a short period have raised serious questions about the security of rural communities in the state. Residents say they now live in constant fear and have called on security agencies to take urgent action to prevent further bloodshed.
Many community members expressed frustration over what they described as a lack of adequate protection despite the deadly attack that occurred on Sunday.
“We are helpless. This is the second attack in two days. People cannot sleep peacefully anymore. Farmers are afraid to go to their farms and many families are considering leaving the village,” another resident said.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Sokoto State Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, confirmed that security authorities received a distress call from Tureta following the latest attack.
He said police personnel were immediately mobilised to the affected area to assess the situation and restore calm.
According to him, the command was still awaiting a detailed report from officers deployed to the community.
“The command received information about the incident and operatives were mobilised immediately. We are awaiting a comprehensive report from our personnel on the ground,” Rufai said.
The fresh attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents linked to bandit groups operating across parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi states.
For years, communities in the North-West have faced repeated attacks involving killings, kidnappings and cattle rustling. Armed groups often target remote villages where security presence is limited, making it difficult for residents to defend themselves.
Despite several military operations launched by the Federal Government and security agencies, attacks have continued in some rural areas, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes.
The latest incident in Dan Gulbi has once again drawn attention to the urgent need for stronger security measures in vulnerable communities.
Residents and local leaders are now calling on the Federal Government, the Sokoto State Government and security agencies to increase patrols, deploy more personnel and strengthen intelligence gathering in the area.
They argue that the return of the attackers just two days after the previous raid shows the need for a more aggressive response to prevent further loss of lives.
As families bury their dead and search for missing relatives, fear continues to spread across Dan Gulbi and neighbouring communities.
Many residents say they are worried that without swift intervention by security authorities, more attacks could occur in the coming days.
For now, the community remains in mourning, struggling to recover from yet another deadly assault that has deepened the insecurity facing many rural areas of Sokoto State.