A humanitarian worker, Lydia Chinenye Nwankwo, was killed in an attack by suspected bandits in Sokoto State on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Nwankwo, a field operations professional, was attacked alongside her team while returning from field operations in Kajiji community, Shagari Local Government Area. Her sister, Chisom Nwankwo, confirmed the incident in a Facebook post on Thursday, October 8. The team came under heavy attack from armed bandits who opened fire on their vehicle, killing Nwankwo on the spot.
The incident has thrown the humanitarian community in Sokoto into mourning, with colleagues describing Lydia as a dedicated field worker committed to serving vulnerable communities in hard-to-reach areas. The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed the attack on communities in Shagari LGA, disclosing that a police inspector also lost his life during the incident. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the attack.
According to DSP Ahmed Rufai, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Shagari LGA had briefed the state headquarters on the development. Rufai noted that the Command was still collating details of the attack to ascertain the full extent of casualties and damage. He stated that he was still gathering information about the incident and would get back with more details.
The police spokesman, DSP Ahmed Rufai, had a conversation with the DPO in charge of Shagari, who confirmed the attack on some communities in the local government. The security situation in the affected communities remained tense, with residents calling on the state government and security agencies to intensify patrols and deploy more personnel to Shagari and its environs.
Residents of the affected communities are demanding increased security presence to prevent further attacks. The state government and security agencies have been urged to take immediate action to restore peace and stability in the area. The humanitarian community in Sokoto is also calling for increased protection for their workers, who often operate in hard-to-reach areas.
The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in Sokoto State, particularly in the Shagari LGA. The state government has been urged to take proactive measures to address the issue of banditry in the area. The police command has promised to provide updates on the incident as more information becomes available.
The killing of Lydia Nwankwo and the police inspector has brought attention to the risks faced by humanitarian workers and security personnel in Sokoto State. The incident has also highlighted the need for increased collaboration between the state government, security agencies, and humanitarian organizations to ensure the safety of workers and residents in the area.
Key points
- Humanitarian worker Lydia Chinenye Nwankwo was killed in a bandit attack in Sokoto State on October 6, 2026.
- A police inspector also lost his life during the incident, which occurred in Shagari Local Government Area.
- The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in Sokoto State, particularly in the Shagari LGA.
