Security operatives in Sokoto State have arrested four people following a violent attack on the convoy of the Deputy Governor during a visit to a troubled area in the state. The incident happened on Thursday afternoon as the deputy governor was returning from Shagari Local Government Area, where he had gone to console victims displaced by recent bandit attacks.
The Deputy Governor’s visit to Shagari town was part of the government’s efforts to show solidarity with communities suffering from violent raids by bandits, which have caused widespread displacement and fear in the region. Many residents have lost their homes and livelihoods due to the constant attacks, prompting government officials to visit and offer support.
However, the goodwill mission took a dangerous turn when some angry residents, frustrated by the ongoing insecurity and slow government response, blocked the deputy governor’s convoy on the road around 1 p.m. The crowd reportedly vandalized some vehicles in the entourage, forcing security forces to intervene.
According to sources familiar with the situation, displaced persons, still living in difficult conditions, were responsible for the road blockage and the attack on the convoy. “The residents were angry and expressed their frustration by blocking the road and damaging some vehicles,” a source said.
Security forces from Operation FANSAN YANMA, the special military task force deployed to combat banditry and restore peace in the region, quickly arrived at the scene. They cleared the obstruction and restored order within a short time.
In the course of the operation, four suspects were arrested and handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation. “The four arrested individuals are now in custody and being interrogated to understand the full circumstances of the attack,” the source added.
Following the incident, calm has returned to the area, and security agencies have increased patrols and deployed additional personnel to prevent any further unrest. Authorities have assured the public that the situation is under control and urged residents to cooperate with security operatives.
The attack on the deputy governor’s convoy underscores the high tension and frustration among communities in Sokoto State affected by banditry. Over the past few years, northwestern Nigeria, including Sokoto, has been battling violent bandit groups responsible for kidnappings, killings, and mass displacement.
Government officials, military, and police have stepped up efforts to tackle these security challenges, but the problems remain a major concern for local communities. The recent attack highlights the difficulties faced by leaders trying to reach out to vulnerable populations living under constant threat.
Sokoto State government has continued to assure citizens of its commitment to restoring peace and stability. The deputy governor’s visit to Shagari was intended to demonstrate the government’s concern and to provide support to displaced families, but the incident revealed the level of frustration among the people.
