Outrage in Sokoto as deadly bandit attacks spark protest, displace residents

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By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

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Residents of Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Friday staged a mass protest over renewed bandit attacks that reportedly claimed several lives, displaced scores of villagers and heightened fears across affected communities.

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The protesters blocked the Sokoto–Jega–Yauri highway, a major route linking Sokoto with Kebbi and Niger states, demanding urgent government intervention to halt the escalating insecurity in the area.

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The protest disrupted vehicular movement for several hours as demonstrators set tyres and logs ablaze on sections of the highway.

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Eyewitnesses said some vehicles, including a bus belonging to the Kebbi State Transport Authority (KSTA), were vandalised before security operatives restored order.

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Residents said the protest followed coordinated attacks allegedly carried out by armed bandits on several villages in Bodinga LGA on Thursday, resulting in deaths, abductions and the displacement of many residents.

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A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the demonstration was aimed at drawing national attention to the worsening security situation in the area.

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“We are appealing to the government to act urgently before more innocent lives are lost. Entire communities have been uprooted by these attacks. Families are now taking refuge in schools and public facilities after fleeing their homes,” he said.

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Findings indicated that many displaced residents have taken shelter in temporary camps and public buildings in Bodinga town.

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One displaced resident from Qyaula village recounted the attack, saying armed men stormed the community and opened fire indiscriminately, forcing residents to flee.

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“They came shooting in all directions. We had no option but to run for our lives. Some people were killed while others were taken away. The situation was terrifying,” he said.

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Residents identified Qyaula, Keloji, Chohi Takule, Kulodo and Kwamtsi as among the worst-hit communities.

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According to local sources, the attackers invaded the villages at about 2 p.m. on Thursday and continued their operations until the early hours of Friday, leaving destruction and panic in their wake.

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“They operated for several hours. Many residents escaped to neighbouring villages while others remain unaccounted for. The attacks have left many families devastated,” another resident said.

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The latest violence underscores the persistent security challenges facing parts of Sokoto State and the wider North-West, where communities continue to grapple with recurring incidents of banditry, kidnapping, killings and displacement despite ongoing security operations.

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In response, a delegation of government officials and security chiefs visited the affected communities to assess the situation and sympathise with victims.

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The delegation included the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Tukur Bala Bodinga; the member representing Bodinga, Dange-Shuni and Tureta Federal Constituency, Nasiru Shehu Bobo; the Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa; local government officials, traditional rulers and security commanders.

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Speaking during the visit, Bobo described the attacks as tragic and unacceptable, assuring residents that additional security personnel had been deployed to restore peace and protect lives and property.

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He also pledged continued engagement with security agencies and relevant authorities to address the security challenges confronting the area.

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The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the attacks. The Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Rufai, said security operatives conducted intensive operations in the area from Thursday afternoon until about 3 a.m. on Friday.

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He added that reinforcements had been deployed to strengthen security, reopen the highway and restore normalcy in the affected communities.

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