Bandit Attack in Sokoto Kills Six, Authorities Dismiss Reports of Mosque Incident

Authorities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State have clarified that reports of a mosque attack, which allegedly left an Imam and worshippers dead, are false. Both the council chairman, Alhaji Ayuba Hashimu, and a local lawmaker, Aminu Boza, denied the claims circulating on social media.

While the mosque reports were dismissed, residents of Gatawa town in the same LGA faced a violent raid early Sunday morning. Six people were killed, and several others were abducted during the attack, which began around 1:30 a.m. Witnesses said gunmen opened fire sporadically, causing widespread panic.

Local vigilantes attempted to resist the attackers, with four reportedly killed during the confrontation. Two additional victims sustained gunshot injuries, one of whom later died in a hospital. Among the abducted were two married women, two teenage girls, and two young boys. Livestock was also taken during the raid.

Security forces reportedly engaged the bandits after the attack, though none of the abducted individuals had been rescued at the time of reporting. Officials from the state police command have yet to provide an official statement regarding the incident.

The attack underscores the ongoing security challenges in parts of Sokoto State, highlighting the vulnerability of communities to banditry despite repeated assurances of protection from local authorities.