37 Abducted as Suspected Turji-Led Gunmen Storm Sokoto Villages, Leaving Several Residents Wounded

Fresh attacks by suspected loyalists of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji have left at least 37 people abducted and several others injured in communities within Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, deepening concerns over the persistent insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West.

According to local reports, the attackers invaded multiple villages, firing indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee for safety. During the raid, dozens of villagers were rounded up and taken away, while several others sustained gunshot wounds and other injuries as they attempted to escape.

Residents said the assailants operated for several hours, exploiting the absence of an immediate security response. Survivors described scenes of panic as families abandoned their homes to seek refuge in neighbouring communities.

Community leaders appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify military operations across the area, warning that repeated attacks have disrupted farming, commercial activities and everyday life in the affected communities. They also called for the deployment of more security personnel to vulnerable settlements to prevent further assaults.

Sabon Birni and other parts of Sokoto State have experienced recurring attacks linked to armed bandit groups operating across the North-West. Bello Turji remains one of the region’s most notorious bandit leaders, with his network frequently blamed for deadly raids, kidnappings and other violent crimes in Sokoto and neighbouring states.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not announced any arrests in connection with the latest attack, while efforts to rescue the abducted victims were reportedly ongoing.