Armed bandits carried out a late-night attack on Garin Faji village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, leaving a man and his young daughter dead while abducting several others and stealing livestock.
Residents said the attackers entered the community around midnight, moving on foot after reportedly leaving their motorcycles at a distance to avoid drawing attention. Gunfire rang out as they arrived, sending villagers scrambling for safety.
One resident, who asked not to be identified for security reasons, said he was in his shop when the shooting began and immediately shut down and hid. He explained that the gunshots signaled the presence of the attackers, who soon spread across the village.
During the raid, the assailants forced their way into a home where they killed a man identified as Haruna Dan Kwambo along with his eight-year-old daughter. The attackers then abducted members of the household, including the man’s two wives, as well as relatives from his extended family.
In total, villagers reported that 17 people were taken, among them three men, with the rest being women and children. The attackers also made away with around 50 cows.
Residents said the assault lasted about an hour, with the attackers operating freely before security forces arrived, by which time they had already fled the area.
Community members described the incident as part of a pattern of repeated attacks, recalling earlier raids that resulted in deaths and abductions. They also referenced a previous tragedy in which villagers fleeing violence drowned after a boat capsized.
Locals expressed frustration over what they see as a lack of security presence, urging authorities to step in and secure the release of those kidnapped while improving protection for the community.
