Sokoto Under Siege: Bandits Kill Imam, 3 Others, Abduct 12 in Devastating Community Attack
Suspected bandits launched a deadly attack on Illelar Dawagware village in Sokoto State, killing an Imam and three others, and abducting 12 residents. The community, reeling from past assaults and failed security responses, is gripped by fear, leading many to abandon their homes at night. Residents are urgently appealing for government intervention to end the recurring violence.
An attack by suspected bandits on Illelar Dawagware village in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State has resulted in the death of an Imam and three other individuals, alongside the abduction of 12 residents. The assailants, estimated to be around 30 in number and operating on approximately nine motorcycles, invaded the village on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at about 12:20 AM. Residents reported that the attack lasted for approximately 30 minutes, during which the bandits shot sporadically.
Villagers attempted to repel the attackers but were ultimately overpowered. The bandits specifically targeted the residence of the village Imam, where they killed him and three others. Subsequently, they moved from house to house, abducting 12 persons, comprising eight women and four men. Among those killed were Mallam Liman Lawwali Na Ande (the Imam), Lawwali Na Lami, and Abdullahi Haruna. A victim identified as Awwalu, who was among the killed, also had his wife and two biological brothers abducted from the same home. The abducted individuals include Amiru, Hauwa, Awwalu, and nine others. Additionally, Alhaji Samaila sustained a gunshot injury that fractured his hand and is currently receiving medical treatment in Sokoto.
Residents have accused security operatives in Goronyo of failing to respond to distress calls during the attack, even after villagers offered to provide money for fuel for reinforcement. This recent incident marks the 24th recorded assault on Illelar Dawagware village. A resident recalled a previous attack two years ago where seven members of the same family were killed inside a mosque. The community had not experienced another major attack until now, with some displaced residents only recently returning to the village after a two-year absence.
Following the attack, fear has gripped the community. Another resident who attended the Imam's burial stated that many villagers have decided not to spend nights in the village, opting instead to sleep at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Goronyo due to fears of further attacks. The residents have made a heartfelt appeal to the federal and state governments, as well as various security agencies, to take urgent and decisive steps to put an end to these persistent and devastating attacks.
The incident follows a similar report where bandits had previously killed a chief imam and abducted nine persons in Kuda-Kuda village, located in the same ward and Goronyo Local Government Area, on a Wednesday.