No fewer than 11 people have reportedly been killed and several others injured after suspected bandits attacked three communities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The attack, which occurred on Thursday night, targeted the communities of Turtsawa, Mazau and Majema, where heavily armed men believed to be loyal to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji reportedly invaded the villages and opened attacks on residents.
Sources familiar with the incident said the attackers moved through the affected communities, killing at least 11 people, while several others suffered varying degrees of injuries.
The injured victims were said to have been taken to medical facilities for treatment, although the exact locations of the hospitals were not immediately disclosed due to security concerns.
According to a source, the attack was one of the latest in a series of violent raids linked to armed groups operating in parts of Sokoto State.
“Last night, 11 people were killed in attacks on communities between Turtsawa, Mazau and Majema in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The attackers are believed to be bandits loyal to the notorious bandit leader Bello Turji. Several others sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment,” the source said.
As of the time of filing this report, the Sokoto State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the attack. Similarly, there was no immediate confirmation of the casualty figure from the military or other security agencies operating in the state.
Residents of the affected communities were said to have fled their homes during the attack, while many families remained in fear over possible further assaults.
The latest violence has once again highlighted the worsening security situation in parts of Sokoto State, particularly in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, which has remained one of the areas most affected by bandit attacks in recent years.
Sabon Birni shares boundaries with areas where armed criminal groups have established camps, making it vulnerable to repeated attacks despite ongoing military operations.
For several years, communities in eastern Sokoto have faced attacks involving killings, kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling and destruction of property. Many residents have been displaced, while farming and other economic activities have been disrupted by insecurity.
Bello Turji is one of the country’s most notorious bandit leaders and has been linked to several deadly attacks across parts of Sokoto, Zamfara and neighbouring states. Security agencies have carried out a number of military operations aimed at dismantling his network and restoring peace in the North-West.
Although the military has recorded successes against armed groups in the region, attacks have continued in some rural communities, with bandits often taking advantage of difficult terrain and remote settlements.
The Federal Government and security agencies have repeatedly pledged to end banditry and restore normal life in affected communities through sustained military offensives and improved intelligence gathering.
The Sokoto State Government has also continued to work with security agencies and community leaders to strengthen security across vulnerable local government areas.
In recent months, authorities have intensified operations against criminal groups operating in Sokoto and neighbouring states as part of wider efforts to tackle insecurity across the North-West.
The fresh attack is expected to deepen concerns among residents already living under the constant threat of armed violence.
Families affected by the latest assault are now mourning the loss of their loved ones, while those injured continue to receive medical attention.
Many residents are also calling on the Federal Government, the Sokoto State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to track down those responsible for the attack and prevent similar incidents in the future.
As of press time, security agencies had not announced any arrests in connection with the attack, while efforts were expected to continue to identify and apprehend those behind the killings.