Bandits attack intending pilgrims in Sokoto

Bandits on Monday attacked intending pilgrims who were coming to Sokoto from Isa Local Government Area.

The pilgrims were due for take-off to the Holy Land today, Tuesday by 7:30am.

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The bandits were said to have attacked their convoy along Gundumi forest but their security escorts foiled the attack.

A resident of Isa town, Malam Sirajo, who confirmed the incident to our reporter, said the intending pilgrims escaped unhurt and some of them were brought back to the palace of Sarkin Gobir Isa.

“They attacked their convoy, which was being escorted by security operatives who were said to have engaged the bandits for some minutes.

“We learnt that some of the operatives sustained injuries, which I cannot verify,” Sirajo added.

The Permanent Secretary, Sokoto State Scholarship Board, Shehu Muhammad Dange also confirmed the attack but said that he was not sure whether there was any case of abduction.

“We have 21 intending pilgrims from Isa. But we are yet to ascertain their condition,” he said.

When contacted, the acting Public Relations Officer of Sokoto State Police Command, ASP Ahmad Rufa’i said he was not aware of the attack.