Bandits Kill Two, Abduct 11 in Sokoto Village Attack

Suspected bandits have killed two persons and abducted 11 others in Malamawar Yari village, Kware Local Government Area of Sokoto State, in a late-night attack that has left residents in fear and renewed calls for improved security.

The attackers reportedly stormed the community at about 11:40 p.m. on Tuesday, firing sporadically and forcing residents to flee for safety.

Among those abducted are eight women, three men and a child. Sources said seven of the victims were from the same family, while two women were taken from separate households.

The two persons killed during the raid were identified as Abubakar Buntu and Abubakar Bello.

A resident of the village said the gunmen invaded from the eastern axis, entering through a route linking the community with Rabah Local Government Area.

“They came into our village through a path linking us with Rabah Local Government Area. On arrival, they started shooting sporadically, killed two persons, injured two others and abducted eleven,” the eyewitness said.

Two other residents sustained injuries during the attack and are currently receiving treatment.

While one victim was taken to a health facility in Sokoto, the other is being treated at home. One reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to the hand, while the other was shot in the leg.

Call for security

The source, who noted that the village has an estimated population of about 5,000, decried the lack of adequate security presence in the area.

“We need more security operatives. They only access our village through one road. They usually come through a nearby forest in Rabah. If security personnel are deployed accordingly, they can be stopped,” he added.

Residents also recalled that the community was attacked less than a month ago, resulting in the death of one person and the abduction of several others.

Police reaction

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, confirmed the incident but said details were still sketchy.

“I heard about the killings, but I don’t have the exact number of those kidnapped yet. I only received a sketchy report,” he said.

Mr Rufai added that he would reach out to the Divisional Police Officer in Kware LGA for further details but had yet to provide an update as of the time of filing this report.