Bandits kill one, abduct seven in Sokoto community

On Thursday morning, suspected bandits struck the Tsamiya town in Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State, resulting in the death of one man and the abduction of seven residents. The victim, identified locally as Shangi Kowa-dasa, was a 30-year-old man.

According to a resident who spoke to the Daily Trust on condition of anonymity, the attackers arrived in Tsamiya town around 2:00 am. The attackers, who arrived in large numbers, killed the man known as Shangi Kowa-dasa and abducted seven other individuals. Residents recounted how the bandits initially attempted to assault Tureta town, but were thwarted by security forces.

Security personnel, comprising the police anti-kidnapping unit and personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), engaged the bandits throughout the night. Heavy gunfire was reported, keeping residents awake due to the intense exchange of gunfire. The security forces prevented the attackers from entering Tureta town.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa'i, stated he had not yet received a briefing on the incident but promised to provide further details at a later time. A senior police officer, who was not authorized to speak officially, confirmed that the command had received a distress call about the impending attack on Tureta town.

The anti-kidnapping squad was promptly deployed to the area, and the attack on Tureta was foiled. Police personnel continue to carry out operations in the region.