Bandits Kill Seven, Including Worshippers, Abduct Residents in Sokoto Village Attack

At least seven people, including three worshippers, were killed while several residents were abducted after heavily armed bandits attacked Tsamaye village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The attackers reportedly stormed the community around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday and remained there until about 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, unleashing hours of violence that left residents dead, property destroyed and many others missing.

Residents said the bandits first surrounded security operatives stationed in the village, pinning them down with sustained gunfire before moving from house to house to loot valuables, rustle livestock and abduct residents.

An eyewitness said the assailants struck shortly after the Isha'i prayer, catching both residents and security personnel off guard.

"We were sitting after the Isha'i prayer when the bandits invaded. They surrounded the security operatives and prevented them from responding while other members of the gang attacked homes, stole livestock and kidnapped people," the source said.

Three of those killed were reportedly shot inside a mosque. They were identified as displaced persons who had fled neighbouring communities due to repeated bandit attacks.

The attackers also looted several shops, set a vehicle ablaze and burnt two shops before fleeing.

Residents said the exact number of abducted victims could not immediately be confirmed as many people escaped into surrounding bushes during the attack.

"We believe some residents managed to escape in the confusion. It is only after everyone returns that we can determine how many people were taken," the eyewitness added.

According to residents, two of the victims were indigenes of Tsamaye, while the remaining five were displaced persons who had sought refuge in the community.

The source also disclosed that at least three abductions had been confirmed after relatives called the victims' phone numbers and the bandits answered, confirming the victims were in their custody.

Residents commended the security operatives stationed in the village, saying they had consistently protected the community but were overwhelmed after the attackers took them by surprise and laid siege to their position.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said the command was aware of the attack but was still awaiting a comprehensive report.

"We are aware of the incident but are yet to receive full details," he said.