Sokoto, Nigeria – The serenity of Sokoto State was shattered on Wednesday night as “armed bandits unleashed terror” on the peaceful community of Gidan Bawa in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 15 innocent lives. The attack, which occurred under the cloak of darkness, has left families devastated and the entire region in mourning.
According to eyewitnesses, the assailants—numbering over two dozen—invaded the village at about 11:30 pm, firing indiscriminately and torching several homes.
“It was like a nightmare,” said Malam Musa, a local resident who narrowly escaped the carnage. “We heard gunshots and screams everywhere. People were running for their lives. They set houses on fire and shot at anyone trying to flee.”
The attack reportedly lasted for over an hour before the bandits retreated into the nearby forest, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Many survivors are now seeking refuge in neighboring communities, fearful of further attacks.
Authorities Respond
Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has condemned the incident in the strongest terms, describing it as “an attack on our collective peace and humanity.”
In a statement released Thursday morning, the Governor assured residents that “no stone will be left unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice.” He also called on security agencies to intensify their operations in the area and urged residents to remain vigilant.
Security forces, including the Nigerian Army and police, have since launched a manhunt for the attackers, combing the forests and mounting checkpoints along major routes.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Kaigama, confirmed that “investigations are ongoing and efforts are being made to apprehend those responsible.”
Communities Demand Protection
The attack has reignited nationwide concerns over the rising wave of banditry and insecurity in Northwestern Nigeria. Community leaders and civil society groups are calling for urgent government intervention and the deployment of more security personnel to rural areas.
Alhaji Umaru, a traditional leader in Sabon Birni, lamented: “Our people are living in fear every day. We need the government to act fast and protect us from these criminals.”
Beyond the immediate loss of life, the attack has also created a humanitarian crisis, with dozens of families displaced and in need of urgent assistance. Local NGOs are appealing for food, shelter, and medical supplies to support the affected population.
Quote of the Day
As the community grapples with the aftermath, a poignant message from a local youth leader, Fatima Abdullahi, captures the mood:
“In times like these, we must stand together as one people, united in grief but also in hope. Our strength lies in our unity, and together, we shall overcome these dark days.”
As Sokoto mourns its dead and prays for the injured, the call for decisive action against banditry grows ever louder. The people look to their leaders for protection and justice, hoping that peace will soon return to their land. For now, the scars of this latest tragedy remain fresh, but the resilience and unity of the Sokoto people offer a glimmer of hope for a safer tomorrow.
