Police Confirm Bandits’ Attack on Sokoto Communities
The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed an attack by suspected bandits on communities in Shagari Local Government Area of the state.
The incident reportedly left a police inspector dead, although the command said it was still gathering details to establish the circumstances of the attack and the casualties.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the incident to journalists on Tuesday.
Rufai said the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Shagari had briefed the command on the attack.
“I just spoke with the DPO in charge of Shagari now, who confirmed the attack on some communities in the local government,” he said.
“We are still on it. I cannot give details now until I gather my information about the incident. I will get back to you on it.”
The confirmation followed reports of the movement of armed bandits through farmlands and communities in the area, particularly around Sanyin Nawal village.
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A resident, Hassan Sahabi, had earlier raised the alarm in a social media post, appealing for prayers for residents of the community.
“We are seeking for your prayers to God for His protection. Bandits are currently in my community in Sanyin Nawal. Please pray for us,” he wrote.
An account of the incident said the armed men moved through parts of Shagari’s farmlands before heading towards Sanyin Nawal, where they allegedly stopped vehicles and robbed travellers.
The attackers were also reportedly seen around a nearby pond before allegedly eating and drinking there. A motorcycle was said to have been set ablaze as the group moved through surrounding villages.
The account further stated that the bandits encountered a passenger vehicle while returning around Maghrib and opened fire.
A police inspector identified as Isah Muhammad Girkau was reportedly hit by a bullet and later died from his injuries.
However, the police command had yet to officially confirm the identity of the deceased officer or provide details of how he was killed as of the time of filing this report.
The incident has again raised concerns over the vulnerability of rural communities, farmlands and major routes in parts of Sokoto State to attacks and movements by armed groups.
