At least seven worshippers were killed and several other residents abducted after heavily armed bandits attacked Tsamaye village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, invading a mosque shortly after the Isha’i prayer before terrorising the community for several hours.
Residents said the attackers stormed the village at about 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday and remained until around 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, moving from house to house, looting valuables, rustling livestock and abducting residents before fleeing.
Worshippers Shot Inside Mosque
Eyewitnesses said the bandits first surrounded security personnel stationed in the community, preventing them from responding, before launching coordinated attacks on residents.
At least three worshippers were reportedly shot dead inside the mosque, while four others were killed elsewhere in the village, bringing the death toll to seven. Most of the victims were internally displaced persons who had earlier fled attacks in neighbouring communities.
Residents Abducted, Property Destroyed
The attackers also abducted several villagers, although the exact number remained unclear as many residents escaped into surrounding bushes during the assault.
In addition to the killings, the gunmen reportedly looted shops, rustled livestock, burnt two shops and set a vehicle ablaze before withdrawing from the community.
Police Yet to Issue Full Report
The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed it was aware of the incident but said it was awaiting a comprehensive report from officers deployed to the area before issuing a detailed statement.
The latest attack underscores the persistent insecurity in Sabon Birni LGA, one of the areas repeatedly affected by bandit violence in northwestern Nigeria.
