Bandits have killed four residents during a deadly overnight assault that also left several others injured and property extensively looted in Sokoto.
The four victims included Bilyaminu Wakkala and Danbaki Tulunawa, while the two others were residents of the neighbouring Kongurus village.
Locals explained that the two victims from Kongurus usually spent the night in Unguwan Lalle because of recurring insecurity in their own community.
Moreover, residents said the bandits stormed the community numbering up to 200, firing indiscriminately, raiding homes and shops, and carting away livestock after disguising themselves in military uniforms to deceive residents.
According to residents, the gunmen surrounded the settlement from different directions, making many villagers believe they were genuine military personnel until they opened fire.
One eyewitness said the attackers prevented residents from escaping before moving from house to house in search of valuables.
“We initially believed they were soldiers because of their uniforms.
“Moments later, they started shooting at people and looting our homes. It became clear we were under attack,” a resident recalled.
The incident occurred in the Unguwan Lalle community, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, during the night between Sunday and Monday.
Residents said the attack started around 8 p.m. and continued until about 2 a.m., giving the armed men several hours to operate.
Community members alleged that the assailants entered through alternative routes instead of the main road, where a military checkpoint was stationed, and strategically positioned fighters carrying rocket-propelled grenade launchers.
Residents further claimed that the attackers returned less than an hour after soldiers who had earlier responded to a separate security incident departed the area.
According to them, troops had arrived in two armoured vehicles following the reported killing of a farmer earlier that day before withdrawing later in the evening.
“The soldiers left after spending some time in the village. Barely a few minutes later, the bandits returned wearing military uniforms and launched the attack,” another resident said.
Another witness alleged that the gunmen struck while residents were observing the Isha prayer (8PM prayer).
He said a motorcycle rider was the first victim before three others were killed while attempting to escape.
“They searched houses repeatedly, stole whatever they found and threatened anyone who came outside. It was a terrifying experience for everyone,” the resident added.
Meanwhile, attempts to obtain official comments from the Chairman of Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Ayuba Hashimu, and the lawmaker representing Sabon Birni North Constituency in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Aminu Boza, were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to repeated telephone calls.
However, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, confirmed that authorities had received a report about the killing of a farmer in the area but said he had not yet been briefed on the reported attack that claimed four lives.
“I can confirm receiving a report about the killing of one person in the area on Sunday. However, I have not yet been officially briefed on the separate attack reported by residents,” the police spokesperson said.