At least 70 villagers were killed when bandits attacked five communities of Sabon Birni local government area of Sokoto state.
The villages were attacked a day after Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal paid a condolence visit to the area, following the killing of fourteen people, including the village head of Gajt community on Eid-ul-fitr day.
The villages attacked in the recent attack include Garki, Dan Aduwa, Kuzari, Katuma and Masawa.
A source told Daily Trust that about 40 heavily armed attackers stormed the villages on motorcycles at about 3:00pm and started shooting sporadically which lasted for hours.
The source which pleaded anonymity said “As of now that I am talking to you, most of the villagers fled the area for fear of another attack because the attackers have changed their pattern – in the past, they only kill our animals or cart them away but now they kill people too”.
They kill whoever they see
“After the attack, the villagers started looking for their relatives. As of now, 70 bodies were found; 26 in Garki village, 13 in Dan Aduwa, 20 in Masawa, 8 in Karina and 3 in Kazari village.
“Some people have gone to the bush to check for their relatives and up to now they are yet to return. We are not even talking about those who sustained injuries because they are many.
“There are people who were shot while many got fractures and dislocation while trying to escape the attack.
“The attackers also killed many people on their way to the village. They killed whoever they see on the road,” the source added.
Shocked Tambuwal
Sokoto state governor, Aminu Tambuwal in a condolence message Thursday confirmed the attack, stating that many citizens were killed by bandits.
He did not state the number involved.
The governor expressed shock over the killings.
“This development is most discomforting considering the fact that myself and the entire security architecture of the state had on Tuesday visited the area and had fruitful discussions with the traditional leaders and other stakeholders on how to nip these unfortunate incidents in the bud,” he stated.
“Nonetheless, under my watch, no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are brought to book.”
Tambuwal said the state government was working closely with the federal government and the security apparatus in the state to find more ways and means to halt the attacks.
“As we work concertedly to tackle this problem, I commiserate and console, once again, the resilient and peace-loving people of Sabon Birni and environs,” he stated.
“These losses of lives and destruction of property is not yours alone but that of the entire people of the state.”
He craved their indulgence of the affected communities to remain patient and continue to cooperate with the government to tackle the menace.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
