No fewer than five people were reportedly killed after suspected bandits led by notorious gang leader Bello Turji attacked Lajinge community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The attackers were said to have invaded the community around midnight, firing gunshots for more than two hours as frightened residents fled for safety. During the assault, the gunmen allegedly abducted several women and carted away an unspecified number of livestock before escaping.
Reports indicate that the attack left five residents dead, while eight others sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Although the exact number of women kidnapped has not been confirmed, residents expressed deep concern over the fate of those taken away by the armed men.
The bandits were also accused of looting valuables from homes in addition to stealing livestock, leaving many families devastated by the overnight raid.
The latest attack has heightened fears among residents, who worry about the possibility of further assaults in the area amid the continued insecurity affecting parts of Sokoto State.
Bello Turji has been linked to a series of violent attacks across communities in the region, with residents repeatedly facing killings, displacement and destruction of property.
As of the time of this report, security authorities had not officially confirmed the incident or released a statement regarding the attack.
