Soldiers killed as bandits abduct many in Sokoto

“They came on 100 motorcycles; each motorcycle was carrying three well-armed bandits,” according to a witness account.

Two soldiers have been killed and seven others injured in a raid on Unguwar Lalle village in Sabon Birni council area of Sokoto State.

The attackers also burnt down two patrol vehicles belonging to the police and army.

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Daily Trust learnt that the bandits attacked the village around 2 pm on Wednesday.

“They came on 100 motorcycles; each motorcycle was carrying three well-armed bandits,” according to a witness account.

“They came from Tilibale axis and opened fire on the soldiers that were manning a checkpoint along Sokoto-Sabon Birni road.

“The soldiers also responded but they were overpowered,” the source said

Three operational vehicles reportedly left Sabon Birni town with re-enforcement but were ambushed along the way and two soldiers were shot dead while seven others sustained various degree of injuries.

“As I am talking to you, the whole Unguwar Lalle and environs are deserted for fear of another attack,” he said.

The source added that the bandits looted available shops in the area and rustled livestock.

The bandits were also said to have kidnapped many residents.

When contacted the spokesman of the Nigeria Army, Brig-Gen Onyeoku, said he was not briefed about the development.

The Police Public Relation Officer, ASP Sanusi Abubakar, could not be reached for his comment as at the time of filing this report.