Nine Killed in Bandit Attacks in Sokoto and Katsina States

In a series of violent attacks in Sokoto and Katsina states, nine individuals, including chief imam Mallam Liman Lawwali, were killed by suspected bandits. The attacks occurred in Illela, Dawagar Village, Goronyo Local Government Area, where approximately 30 armed men on nine motorcycles invaded the village around 12:20 AM on Sunday, firing sporadically for about 30 minutes.

Residents attempted to resist but were overpowered, resulting in the imam's death and the abduction of 12 people, including eight women and four men. Local residents accused security personnel of failing to respond to distress calls.

In a separate incident in Katsina State, six people were killed in Gidan Gaje, Malumfashi Local Government Area, where armed men also attacked early Thursday, forcing women and children to flee. The attacks are attributed to bandits loyal to notorious leader Babaro, who have threatened farmers against cultivating their lands during the current farming season.

Efforts to reach the Sokoto State Police Command for comments were unsuccessful.