Suspected bandits on Tuesday invaded five communities in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State, rustling a large number of livestock and injuring several residents in a fresh wave of attacks.
The affected communities—Kaura, Wanke, Sage, Marake and Aggur—were reportedly attacked in the early hours of the day as the assailants fired sporadically, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers overpowered the villagers and carted away numerous cattle and other livestock. At least two residents sustained gunshot injuries to their legs, while several others suffered varying degrees of injuries during the raid.
The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Shagari, where they are receiving treatment.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the bandits operated for several hours without resistance.
“They came in large numbers and started shooting. People ran into the bushes to save their lives. They took away many of our animals and shot two people in the legs. Those injured are now receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Shagari. We are living in fear because these attacks have become too frequent,” the resident said.
Another community member described the attack as a devastating setback for the affected families, noting that livestock remains the primary source of livelihood for many households in the area.
“Most families here depend on their animals to feed their children, pay school fees and meet other needs. Losing them means losing everything. We are appealing to the government and security agencies to come to our rescue before the situation gets worse,” he said.
The latest incident has heightened concerns over the persistent insecurity in parts of Sokoto State, where rural communities continue to experience recurring attacks, cattle rustling and displacement despite ongoing security operations.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said the attackers were the same bandits who later attacked in Kebbe Local Government Area.
According to him, the gunmen passed through Shagari on their way to Kebbe, firing indiscriminately as part of their strategy to create panic among residents before stealing livestock.
“It is part of their tactics. Whenever they move to a place, they shoot sporadically to scare people away, and in the process they rustle their cattle,” Rufa’i said.