No fewer than 20 people, including traders, farmers, and travellers, have been abducted by suspected bandits after they blocked a major route linking several communities in Sokoto State.
The attackers were said to have intercepted farmers, travellers, and residents going about their daily activities, opening fire indiscriminately before rounding up dozens of victims and whisking them away.
The incident occurred around Mangwaron Bullun, a strategic junction connecting several surrounding communities, including Katsira, Zakin Ganga, Maskin Wuya, Garin Dango, Garin Gardi, Garin Bage, and Zududu in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
It was gathered that the gunmen stormed the area on Wednesday along the road leading to Sabon Birni Market, operating on about 30 motorcycles and causing panic as they fired sporadically.
“It was a terrifying scene. People were running in different directions as the gunmen fired shots. Several travellers, farmers and traders were seized and taken away,” a resident who witnessed the incident told newsmen on Friday.
Another eyewitness said the attackers used brutal tactics while moving victims into the forest.
“Some victims were forced onto motorcycles, while others were tied together and marched into the bush. They appeared determined to take as many people as possible,” he said.
Among those abducted was a woman who had gone to her farm. Her son, Abdurrashid, said the incident had left the family devastated.
“My mother is the one providing for us because my father has been ill for some time. Her abduction has placed a huge burden on the family,” he said.
Community members said the number of victims could still rise, as some families were yet to confirm the whereabouts of relatives who travelled for the weekly market.
“Many people went to the market that day. Some families may not realise their relatives are missing until much later,” another resident said.
Meanwhile, the member representing Sabon Birni Constituency in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Aminu Boza, said he would verify the incident when contacted.
Efforts to reach the Sokoto State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls placed to the spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, were not answered.