Bandits kill 3 displaced persons in Sokoto

Bandits have killed three internally displaced persons (IDPs) and abducted another in Gangara village, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The victims were among displaced residents who had returned to the deserted village to retrieve food items left behind after fleeing repeated bandit attacks. The displaced persons, now taking refuge in Sabon Birni […]

Bandits have killed three internally displaced persons (IDPs) and abducted another in Gangara village, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The victims were among displaced residents who had returned to the deserted village to retrieve food items left behind after fleeing repeated bandit attacks.

The displaced persons, now taking refuge in Sabon Birni and Isa towns, said worsening hardship forced them to return to the community.

A survivor told Daily Trust that about 200 displaced villagers went back to Gangara on Wednesday when armed bandits, believed to have been hiding near the village, opened fire on them.

He said the villagers were crossing a river close to the community when the attackers struck, causing many to flee.

“Three people were shot while trying to cross the river. We believe they drowned after falling into the water because their bodies have not been recovered,” he said.

The deceased were identified as Hurerah Halilu, Hassan Haruna and Sani Musa.

The survivor added that another resident, Muhammad Mallam Bakwai, was abducted during the attack.

He said the displaced villagers had resolved not to return to Gangara after a notorious bandit commander, Jammu Baki, said to be an associate of Bello Turji, allegedly warned that anyone found in the village would be killed.

A displaced religious leader from the community accused the government of neglecting the victims, saying no official had visited or provided humanitarian assistance.

He said one of the victims, Hurerah Halilu, was a mother of seven and his wife’s sister.

Efforts to obtain comments from the Sokoto State Police Command were unsuccessful, as its spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, did not respond to calls or messages before press time.