Night of terror in Sokoto as Bandits kill 21, abduct 37

A wave of violence has devastated Tsamaye community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where heavily armed bandits killed scores of residents, abducted dozens and forced thousands to flee, while a desperate attempt to escape by river ended in another tragedy after overloaded boats capsized.

Residents said at least 21 people are feared dead, 37 others were abducted, and 18 people remain missing after the boats overturned, raising fears that the death toll could climb further.

The attack, which began around 9 p.m. on Monday and lasted until after 3 a.m. on Tuesday, left the once-bustling community deserted as terrified residents fled for safety.

Witnesses said the gunmen moved from house to house, setting two homes ablaze, rustling livestock and forcing villagers to identify wealthy residents and livestock owners.

As panic spread, many families attempted to cross a nearby river to escape. However, the overloaded boats capsized, throwing about 25 people, mostly women and children, into the water. Seven survivors were rescued, but 18 others remain unaccounted for and are feared drowned.

A resident told Daily Trust that bandits answered calls made to the phones of missing villagers, claiming they had 37 captives in their custody.

According to residents, many of those abducted had been sleeping on farms and in surrounding bushes to avoid previous attacks, only for the gunmen to track them down.

“Because of frequent attacks, people no longer sleep in their homes,” one resident said. “The bandits searched the farms, woke people up and marched them away. I saw three babies left behind after their mothers were taken.”

Residents accused security forces of failing to respond despite receiving distress calls before the attackers withdrew.

“We informed them early enough, but no reinforcement came,” another resident lamented.

A local vigilante, who requested anonymity, said the security personnel stationed in the area admitted they lacked the equipment needed to confront the attackers.

“We also contacted our traditional ruler, but there was little he could do. When the gunfire intensified, we had no option but to hide,” he said.

He appealed to the government to deploy Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), saying the difficult terrain makes rapid security intervention almost impossible without specialised equipment.

According to him, fewer than 20 people remain in Tsamaye, while more than 100 vehicles have evacuated displaced families since the attack.

The two houses destroyed belonged to Lawwali Ta’u Mai Chaji and Hassan Hasken Halara, a vigilante member who was reportedly away defending the community when his home was torched.

Confirmed fatalities include Kabiru Mallam Tanimu, Ayuba Mallam Hashim and Yakubu Mu’azu, while several others remain missing.

The violence has also emptied several neighbouring communities, including Borai, Tsululu, Garin Tudu, Bukka Hamsin, Turkawa, Rumbukawa, Dutsin Na Umma, Zangon Mu’azu and Arawa, as residents fled in fear of further attacks.

Displaced families have appealed to the Federal Government and Sokoto State Government to strengthen security in the area and provide the equipment needed to halt the escalating violence.

Sabon Birni Local Government Chairman Ayuba Hashimu confirmed the attack but said authorities were still verifying casualty figures.

Meanwhile, Sokoto State Police Command spokesman DSP Ahmad Rufai said additional security personnel had been deployed to restore calm and prevent further attacks.