Armed bandits have struck again in Sokoto State, killing at least seven residents and abducting three others in a ferocious early morning attack on Kyara village, a remote border community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
The assault occurred in the early hours of Thursday, January 16, 2026, around 4:00 a.m., when a large group of heavily armed bandits, wielding sophisticated weapons, stormed the isolated village near the Nigeria-Niger Republic border. The attackers opened fire indiscriminately into homes and at fleeing residents, sowing widespread panic in an area already plagued by poor communication infrastructure and complete lack of mobile network coverage.
According to security intelligence expert Zagazola Makama, who broke the news via a post on X, seven unsuspecting villagers were shot dead on the spot, while two others sustained serious gunshot injuries. Three residents were kidnapped during the chaos, and an unspecified number of domestic animals were rustled before the bandits withdrew.
The village's remote location and proximity to the international border continue to make it vulnerable to such incursions, highlighting the persistent challenges of banditry in Nigeria's northwest region.
Security operatives responded swiftly, deploying joint forces to the scene. They evacuated the corpses of the deceased and the injured victims to a hospital for autopsy and medical treatment. Troops have since launched an aggressive manhunt for the perpetrators, with primary objectives including:
This latest tragedy comes amid a wave of insecurity in Sokoto State, where remote border settlements frequently suffer from bandit raids, kidnappings, and livestock theft despite ongoing military operations. The incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures, better infrastructure, and sustained efforts to protect vulnerable rural populations.
As investigations continue and the search for the attackers intensifies, residents and observers call for decisive action to curb the escalating violence in the region. Stay updated on the latest developments in northwest Nigeria's security situation, banditry crackdowns, and community impacts!
The assault occurred in the early hours of Thursday, January 16, 2026, around 4:00 a.m., when a large group of heavily armed bandits, wielding sophisticated weapons, stormed the isolated village near the Nigeria-Niger Republic border. The attackers opened fire indiscriminately into homes and at fleeing residents, sowing widespread panic in an area already plagued by poor communication infrastructure and complete lack of mobile network coverage.
According to security intelligence expert Zagazola Makama, who broke the news via a post on X, seven unsuspecting villagers were shot dead on the spot, while two others sustained serious gunshot injuries. Three residents were kidnapped during the chaos, and an unspecified number of domestic animals were rustled before the bandits withdrew.
The village's remote location and proximity to the international border continue to make it vulnerable to such incursions, highlighting the persistent challenges of banditry in Nigeria's northwest region.
Security operatives responded swiftly, deploying joint forces to the scene. They evacuated the corpses of the deceased and the injured victims to a hospital for autopsy and medical treatment. Troops have since launched an aggressive manhunt for the perpetrators, with primary objectives including:
- Rescuing the abducted villagers
- Recovering the stolen livestock
- Apprehending the fleeing gunmen
This latest tragedy comes amid a wave of insecurity in Sokoto State, where remote border settlements frequently suffer from bandit raids, kidnappings, and livestock theft despite ongoing military operations. The incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures, better infrastructure, and sustained efforts to protect vulnerable rural populations.
As investigations continue and the search for the attackers intensifies, residents and observers call for decisive action to curb the escalating violence in the region. Stay updated on the latest developments in northwest Nigeria's security situation, banditry crackdowns, and community impacts!
Tags
Metro