Sokoto residents protest bandits attacks

Sokoto map

Hundreds of men, women, and children in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State have staged a mass protest, blocking the Sokoto–Lagos trunk A highway, over the worsening bandit attacks in the state.They said that criminal gangs were now in control of many local government areas of the state, leaving residents devastated, displaced, and increasingly hopeless.

They expressed anger over relentless attacks that have crippled their communities and demanded urgent government action to stem the tide of killings and abductions.

The displaced residents, some barefoot and visibly traumatised, poured into Shagari town, the council headquarters, chanting slogans of frustration as they narrated their ordeal.

According to them, the government has abandoned them to the mercy of bloodthirsty gangs, who roam their villages unhindered.

A resident of Rinaye village, Malam Kasimu, explained, “For three consecutive days, bandits have been invading our villages. They kidnapped our community leader and our Imam after killing three people over the weekend.”

He disclosed that the armed groups attacked Aske Dodo, Tungar Barke, and Jandutse villages, killing two persons and abducting no fewer than 15 others.

“Several of our villages have now been deserted. People are fleeing in all directions, leaving behind their homes and farmlands,” he added.

Among the displaced is Rabi Shehu, a mother of 5, from Jandutse village, who recounted her harrowing experience. Vanguard