At least 20 people have reportedly lost their lives after armed bandits launched a deadly attack on Dangulbi community in Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State, leaving residents devastated and forcing many families to flee their homes.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday morning, is being described by locals as one of the deadliest assaults on the community in recent months. Witnesses said dozens of gunmen riding on motorcycles stormed the village and immediately opened fire on residents, creating panic and chaos across the area.
According to community sources, the attackers arrived between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., shooting indiscriminately while looting shops and properties. Several residents were reportedly caught off guard as they attempted to escape the violence.
Tragically, many of those killed were said to be visitors who had travelled to Dangulbi to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festival with family and friends. The victims reportedly included men, women and young people who found themselves trapped during the attack.
“They started shooting immediately they entered the village. People ran in different directions, but many could not escape,” a resident revealed.
Sources further disclosed that the gunmen had earlier moved through neighbouring communities before converging on Dangulbi, where they carried out the deadly assault.
Several people were also reportedly abducted during the attack. However, some captives managed to escape amid confusion caused by a heavy rainstorm that hit the area during the incident.
The violence triggered a mass displacement of residents, with many abandoning their homes and seeking refuge in safer communities within Tureta and nearby local government areas.
Community leaders have appealed to both the Federal Government and the Sokoto State Government to urgently strengthen security in the area, warning that repeated attacks are crippling local livelihoods and threatening farming activities ahead of the rainy season.
Reacting to the development, the spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed that security agencies were aware of the incident and had commenced efforts to restore calm and prevent further attacks.
The latest tragedy has once again highlighted growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Sokoto State, where rural communities continue to face recurring attacks despite ongoing security operations.
Source: Local residents and Sokoto State Police Command.
