At least 12 people were killed after heavily armed bandits launched a midnight attack on Lajinge village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Among the dead were a father and his two sons, who were burnt alive.
The attack reportedly lasted from about 11:00 p.m. on Saturday until 3:30 a.m. on Sunday without any security response.
According to Daily Trust, the gunmen invaded the village in large numbers, firing at residents, burning houses, abducting people, stealing livestock and moving freely despite repeated distress calls.
A resident said 11 victims died from gunshot wounds, while a woman identified as Agada died after suffering severe shock.
Six people were burnt alive after hiding in a room surrounded by the attackers. “They ordered those inside to come out but they refused. The attackers then poured petrol on the room and opened fire. When those inside attempted to escape through the door, they kept shooting at them. Their bodies were left inside the burning room,” the resident said.
Those killed in the fire were identified as Mallam Wauro, also known as Mallam Roro, his sons Ukasha and Mujaheed, relatives Sufyanu and Sani Shanbami, and an internally displaced person sheltering in the house. Another victim, Lawwali, was shot while trying to flee.
A local vigilante said the attackers overpowered them, stole livestock, abducted Mallam Wauro’s two wives and took away his cattle.
Residents said the bandits stayed for hours without resistance despite repeated calls for help. “The bandits stayed in our village for hours without any intervention. They even walked along the main road laughing and smoking cigarettes as if they had conquered the community,” one resident said.
The community appealed to the Federal Government and Sokoto State authorities to deploy security personnel, saying repeated requests had gone unanswered despite worsening attacks.
