Bandits kill 17, loot shops in Sokoto raid

A brutal attack by bandits on Dangulbi community in Sokoto State, Nigeria, has left at least 17 people dead, including visitors who were in the area for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

Residents reported that hundreds of attackers, arriving on motorcycles, invaded the community on Sunday morning. They opened fire indiscriminately, looted shops, and forced villagers to flee into nearby forests. The assailants are believed to have traveled from neighboring Zamfara State before launching their assault. Among the victims were several individuals visiting from other local government areas for the Sallah festivities.

The bandits reportedly remained in the community for several hours after the attack, preventing residents from recovering and burying the dead until late in the evening. Funeral prayers were conducted after 9:30 p.m. once the attackers had departed. In addition to the killings, residents alleged that the attackers looted approximately 20 shops before moving on to nearby communities, where several people were reportedly abducted.

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They started shooting as soon as they arrived. People ran in different directions in search of safety, but 17 people lost their lives during the attack.

Many residents have since fled Dangulbi and surrounding areas, seeking refuge in safer locations. The displaced individuals are appealing to both federal and state governments for urgent deployment of additional security personnel and improvements to road infrastructure. They argue that poor road access hinders security responses and leaves communities vulnerable to repeated attacks.

This incident adds to a series of deadly attacks plaguing the region, raising serious concerns about the deteriorating security situation. The ongoing violence threatens farming activities as the rainy season approaches, further impacting the livelihoods of the affected communities.

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They stayed until about 7 p.m., making it impossible for anyone to come out. Funeral prayers were eventually conducted after 9:30 p.m. when they left.