Terror Attack Rocks Nigeria: 4 Dead, Scholar Killed, Scores Abducted in Sokoto

Barely days after a tragic boat mishap claimed 65 lives in Gorau village, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, the community has been hit by a devastating terrorist attack. Suspected terrorists reportedly killed four people, abducted four others, and left several residents injured. This incident occurred shortly after government officials visited to commiserate with families of the boat accident victims.

In a separate, but equally alarming, attack, the terrorists also struck Gidan Kare village in Tureta Local Government Area of the state. During this assault, an Islamic cleric identified as Mallam Abubakar Danjimme was killed, and an unspecified number of residents were abducted. The Sokoto State Police Command, through its spokesperson DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed both attacks, noting that details regarding the Gidan Kare incident were still being compiled.

According to Alhaji Aliyu Magaji Na-Batsami, the village head of Gorau, 11 residents were shot during the attack in his community, resulting in seven survivors and four immediate fatalities. Magaji revealed a disturbing motive behind the attack: the terrorists allegedly targeted families who had lost relatives in the recent boat tragedy. Their primary objective appeared to be the N1 million relief money reportedly provided to each bereaved family by the Sokoto State Government. He stated, "They went from house to house searching for the money. Their main target appeared to be families of those who died in the boat accident."

The attack on Gorau transpired following a visit by Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, accompanied by Deputy Governor Mohammed Idris Gobir, other government officials, and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains. This delegation had visited the community to extend condolences and distribute N1 million and bags of grains to each family affected by the boat accident on behalf of Governor Ahmed Aliyu.

Reacting to the heinous incident, Bashir Usman Gorau, the member representing Gada/Goronyo Federal Constituency, expressed profound sadness, describing it as a "double tragedy." He extended his sympathies to the affected families grappling with both losses.

In Gidan Kare village, residents recounted that terrorists stormed the area in the morning, opening fire indiscriminately and killing Mallam Abubakar Danjimme, an Islamic teacher. Several residents were abducted, including specific individuals identified as Mallam Dan Manga, Shehu, Hassana, Hussaina, Badaru, and Saratu, with other missing persons yet to be identified. This attack marked a worrying shift in the terrorists' tactics, as they typically struck at night, forcing villagers to seek refuge in the local government headquarters before returning home in the morning.

Malam Ibrahim Dangaskiya, a former resident who relocated to Sokoto metropolis due to escalating insecurity, highlighted the desperate measures villagers in Tureta LGA had adopted for survival. He explained that for a considerable period, only men remained in the village at night, while women, children, and youths trekked daily to Tureta town for safety. The Thursday attack, occurring during daylight hours, signifies a dangerous escalation and change in the terrorists' modus operandi.

These latest attacks have significantly heightened security concerns across parts of Sokoto State, leading residents to urgently appeal for intervention to protect their vulnerable communities from further violence and exploitation.