Bandits abduct nine, rustle over 200 livestock in Sokoto community

Suspected bandits have abducted nine residents and stolen more than 200 livestock during an attack on Illelar Dawagari community in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The attackers reportedly entered the community in Kagara Ward at about 8:30pm on Saturday and remained in the area until around 11pm.
One resident, Saminu Arzika, was also reportedly shot during the attack.
According to a resident who spoke about the incident, Arzika was outside the community when he noticed people moving in the darkness and directed a torch towards them.
The armed men allegedly pursued and shot him after realising they had been spotted.

The sound of gunfire reportedly alerted residents, causing many to flee into nearby bushes.
The attackers subsequently moved through parts of the community, abducting residents and taking away livestock. Linda Ikeji’s Blog
Nine people — five males and four females — were reported missing following the raid.

Some of those identified as abducted include Maryam Yusuf, Rukayya Abdu and Maryam Abdullahi.
The remaining victims were reported to include children between the ages of 10 and 15.
Residents said more than 200 animals were also rustled.

The latest attack comes amid repeated security incidents in parts of Sokoto State.
Earlier in September, suspected bandits attacked Tofa community in Rabah Local Government Area, killing residents and abducting dozens, while another attack in Kebbe LGA left two people dead and livestock stolen.

Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson DSP Ahmad Rufai was contacted about the latest incident and said he would make enquiries.
Police had not publicly confirmed all details of the attack in the initial report