Bandit Attacks Leave 37 Dead, Dozens Injured In Sokoto Communities

Tragedy has struck in the Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State as three communities namely Raka, Raka Dutse and Filin Gawa fell victims to bandit attacks. 

The bandits targeted the villages, leaving at least 37 people dead and several others injured. 

According to Daily Trust, eyewitnesses revealed that the assailants launched their assault on Saturday evening, causing widespread devastation and anguish among the affected communities. 

While the former chairman of the area, Bashar Kalenjeni, confirmed the attacks, the spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, ASP Ahmad Rufa'i, denied knowledge of the incidents.

Meanwhile, Kalenjeni explained that among the affected communities, Raka witnessed the highest number of casualties, with 18 individuals losing their lives. 

Filin Gawa suffered the second-highest toll with 17 fatalities, while Raka Dutse mourned the loss of two persons. 

He added that in an attempt to bury the deceaseds, the bandits attacked the villagers again.

He said as at Sunday morning, the remains of the deceaseds were still not buried. 

“We wanted to bury them in the night but the bandits came back and dispersed us.

"As at this morning, the deceased are still there unburied,” Kalenjeni said.

Explaining further, the reasons for the attack, he shared, “The bandits imposed levies on their communities which was meant to take charge with immediate effect, and also dictating to residents on what to and not to do.

“But the villagers refused to succumb and because of that they attacked them, killing 37 persons while several others sustained various degrees of gunshot injuries and currently receiving treatment at General Hospital, Gwadabawa.

“There are others who are still unaccounted for.

“Right now, we are waiting for security operatives to lead us to the villages in order to bury the dead ones.”