Bandits Unleash Terror in Sokoto: Death Toll Rises as Villages Are Sacked!
Bandit attacks in Danchadi District of Sokoto State have tragically escalated, with the death toll rising to eight and over 30 villages deserted. The District Head confirmed the fatalities, widespread displacement, and the rustling of over 1,000 livestock, appealing for urgent government and security intervention.The death toll from recent bandit attacks on communities within Danchadi District of Bodinga Local Government Area in Sokoto State has tragically risen from six to eight, following fresh findings by district authorities. Alhaji Lirwanu Mafaran Kuwarun Sarkin Musulmi, the District Head of Danchadi, confirmed this increase, stating that investigations conducted after the attacks verified the deaths of eight residents and the displacement of several others.
These devastating attacks, which occurred between Wednesday and Thursday, led to the desertion of no fewer than 30 villages in the district. An official report, signed by the District Head and submitted to the Chairman of Bodinga Local Government Council, detailed that six residents were initially killed in Kyaluje and Dibarke communities, alongside the rustling of more than 1,000 livestock, including cattle and camels. Copies of this report were also forwarded to various security agencies, including the Divisional Police Officer, the Divisional Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services in the area.
The humanitarian situation in Danchadi District is described as dire, with many residents still grappling with trauma, fear, and confusion. Eyewitness accounts reveal that some women are desperately searching for their husbands following the onslaught. Displaced residents have sought refuge in towns like Danchadi, Bodinga, and Sifawa, where they are sheltering in schools and with relatives.
Malam Mainasara Danjumma, a displaced resident from Kyaluje, recounted how armed men stormed his village around 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, remaining until midnight. During this time, the attackers moved systematically from house to house, looting valuables and mobile phones, and assaulting several women, including his wife. He confirmed the killing of the village's Chief Imam, Malam Bashar Kyaluje, and two other residents during the attack, emphasizing the complete devastation of the village and the ongoing search for family members.
The District Head alleged that the assailants infiltrated the area from neighboring Zamfara State through Tureta Local Government Area, noting that this was the first time such a severe attack had been experienced in the district. He made an urgent appeal to both the Federal and Sokoto State Governments, as well as security agencies, to immediately deploy more personnel to the affected communities. The goal is to restore peace, enhance security, and enable the displaced residents to safely return to their homes, especially as some villagers have already started returning despite the absence of increased security presence, raising concerns about their safety.