The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed a bandits' attack on communities in the Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State. According to the police command's spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Shagari briefed the command on the incident. The police are still gathering details to establish what transpired and determine the casualties. The attack was reported to have occurred in several communities in the local government area.
The confirmation of the attack followed reports of the movement of armed bandits around farmlands and communities in the area, particularly towards Sanyin Nawal village. A resident of Sanyin Nawal, Hassan Sahabi, had raised the alarm in a social media post, calling for prayers for residents as the armed men reportedly moved through the community. Sahabi's post expressed concern for the safety of residents in the area.
A separate account of the incident stated that the bandits moved around Shagari farmlands in the morning before heading towards Sanyin Nawal, where they allegedly stopped some vehicles and robbed travellers. The attackers were also said to have spent time around a nearby pond before allegedly eating food and drinking Maltina. A motorcycle was reportedly set ablaze before they proceeded through surrounding villages.
The bandits encountered a passenger vehicle while returning in the evening around Maghrib and opened fire. A police officer identified as Inspector Isah Muhammad Girkau was reportedly hit by a bullet and died from his injuries. Although the police command has not officially confirmed the identity of the deceased officer, it is understood that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The incident has renewed concerns over the vulnerability of rural communities and roads in parts of Sokoto State to attacks and movements by armed groups. Residents and stakeholders have expressed worry over the increasing frequency of such incidents in the state. The police command is expected to provide further updates on the incident as more information becomes available.
The Sokoto State Police Command's spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, stated that the command is still gathering information about the incident and promised to provide an update soon. The police are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and the number of casualties.
The attack on Shagari communities is the latest in a series of incidents involving armed bandits in Sokoto State. Stakeholders have called for increased security measures to protect rural communities and roads from such attacks. The state government and security agencies are expected to take steps to address the growing concern over banditry in the state.
Key points
- A police inspector, identified as Inspector Isah Muhammad Girkau, was reportedly killed during the bandits' attack.
