Suspected bandits have attacked three communities in Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing seven people and abducting 17 others, including 15 women.
The affected communities are Dinawa, Munƙi and Gidan Dare. The attackers reportedly operated for several hours on Monday night, using heavy rainfall to their advantage.
Chairman of the Dinawa Vigilante Group, Aliyu Falke, said the bandits were allegedly brought into the area in a Canter truck around 10:30 p.m.
“We were outside the town, guarding our community when my men sighted a Canter truck parked some metres away. It was offloading something and when my men approached it, the driver turned around and sped away,” he said.
About 15 minutes later, Falke said the attackers began shooting, killing two people, including vigilante member Sani Wukari. The vigilantes fought back but were overpowered.
“Five other people were killed, including two women. They also injured four people, including myself, and abducted six women and one man,” he said.
The bandits operated for about four hours before police arrived in two armoured vehicles and forced them to withdraw.
Those killed included Malami Dogo, Chairman Maidawa, Altine Mesi, Alhaji Shua’ibu, Balaraba Abdullahi, Hafsatu Salisu and Sani Wukari.
Falke said he suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, while Maikano sustained life-threatening injuries. Two others were shot in their hands.
He added that Ibrahim Mai Mai was abducted from Munƙi, while nine women were kidnapped from Gidan Dare.
Wurno lawmaker Shamsu Aliyu confirmed the attacks and visited Dinawa to sympathise with residents.
Residents said the rain kept many people indoors and slowed the response of security personnel and vigilantes.
The attackers also reportedly rustled an unspecified number of cattle and looted valuables.
