Bandits Kill 32 in Sokoto Community Attack During Prayers

On Friday at approximately 2:15 PM, bandits invaded a community in Sokoto while residents were observing Jumu’a prayers, resulting in the deaths of 32 individuals. The attackers initially killed five people and returned later to kill two more, continuing their assault until 1 AM on Saturday.

Community members fled to a nearby hill for safety, but the bandits targeted those hiding there. The attackers ultimately left after security personnel arrived, but not before they had set fire to seven houses, two shops, and three vehicles.

Residents reported that they recovered 32 bodies on Sunday and also claimed to have killed 13 bandits during the attack, although the attackers later retrieved their dead. The bandits also raided nearby communities, stealing livestock and valuables.

A military aircraft bombed the attackers on Sunday evening, forcing them to flee. The General Officer Commanding of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, visited the affected area with over 200 soldiers on Sunday evening.