Bandits have attacked Kurawa village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing three people, including the acting village head, Hussaini Alhaji Yawalle.
The attackers struck in the early hours of Thursday, abducting several residents and rustling more than 40 cattle.
A resident said the bandits stormed the village around midnight after destroying part of the community’s perimeter fence.
“We received a call from a neighbouring village that armed bandits were advancing toward us. We immediately alerted the relevant authorities, including security operatives,” he said.
“They gained entry after breaking the fence and began shooting sporadically. The attack lasted less than 30 minutes, unlike previous ones that often continued for hours. Our vigilantes and community guards, with support from security personnel, resisted them,” he added.
Despite the swift response, three residents, including Hussaini Alhaji Yawalle and Huruna Alhaji Zuguru, were killed. The victims were buried on Thursday.
Another resident told our reporter that this marked the 20th attack on the community by bandits.
“That was why we decided to fence the village, but we didn’t expect they could breach it. They abducted several villagers, including our retired headmaster, Malam Abdullahi, and rustled over 40 cattle,” he said, describing the attack as devastating.
“We are in mourning. The deceased were respected elders with families and grandchildren. We call on the government to establish more security outposts in our area to prevent future attacks,” he added.