Police Confirm Attack by Bandits in Sokoto Communities, Officer Killed

The Sokoto State Police have confirmed that armed bandits attacked communities in the Shagari Local Government Area. During the incident, a police inspector was reportedly killed.

DSP Ahmed Rufai, the spokesperson for the police command, shared details about the attack on Tuesday. He mentioned that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Shagari had informed the command about the situation. However, he noted that they were still gathering information to understand what happened and to confirm the number of casualties.

Residents had raised alarms about the presence of armed bandits in the area, particularly near Sanyin Nawal village. One local, Hassan Sahabi, called for prayers on social media, saying, “We are seeking for your prayers to God for His protection. Bandits are currently in my community in Sanyin Nawal. Please pray for us.”

Reports indicate that the bandits moved through farmlands in the morning before heading towards Sanyin Nawal. They allegedly stopped vehicles and robbed travelers. Witnesses said the bandits spent time near a pond, eating food and drinking before setting a motorcycle on fire and moving on to nearby villages.

Later in the evening, as they returned, they reportedly opened fire on a passenger vehicle, injuring Inspector Isah Muhammad Girkau, who later died from his wounds. The police have not yet confirmed the identity of the deceased officer or the details surrounding his death.

This incident has raised concerns about the safety of rural communities in Sokoto State, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by armed groups in the region.