Bandits Kill Three Displaced Persons in Sokoto Attack

In Sokoto, three displaced persons were killed by armed bandits during an attempted return to their village of Gangara on Wednesday. The victims, identified as Hurerah Halilu, Hassan Haruna, and Sani Musa, were shot while trying to cross a river to escape the attack.

Survivors reported that approximately 200 displaced villagers had returned to Gangara, believing it was safe, but were met with gunfire from armed bandits believed to be hiding nearby. The attack caused panic, leading to fears that some individuals may have drowned in the river.

Muhammad Mallam Bakwai, a survivor, was abducted during the incident. The notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has allegedly warned that anyone found in the village would be killed.

Community religious leaders have accused the government of neglecting the victims, stating there has been no official visit or humanitarian assistance provided. Efforts to obtain comments from the Sokoto State Police Command were unsuccessful, as their spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, did not respond to calls or messages.