Fear of retaliatory attacks by armed bandits has forced residents of several communities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State to abandon their homes, seeking refuge in safer neighbouring towns.
Latest reports reveal that at least nine communities—Dankura, Dantasakko, Dankaka, Satiru, and Gangara—have been largely deserted following a recent wave of military operations targeting bandit hideouts in the area.
Fearing backlash from the heavily armed gangs, hundreds of residents, including women and children, have fled to Gatawa and Turba towns.
A video circulating on social media last Sunday showed the displaced arriving in Gatawa, some visibly traumatised and recounting tales of violence and extortion.
Malam Muhammadu (not his real name), a native of Dankura, said their village became unsafe after threats from bandits in response to military operations nearby.
“We fled because the bandits threatened to attack us in retaliation. I came to Gatawa with my two wives and nine children,” he told Daily Trust.
He also revealed that residents were routinely forced to pay levies to the criminals to continue farming and living peacefully.
Another resident with a fractured leg from a recent attack said he was preparing to move his family—three wives and 15 children—to Taraba State due to persistent insecurity.
“They come on motorcycles, loot our homes, steal food, and even force us to work on their farms,” said a Dantasakko resident, adding that his aunt was recently attacked with a machete and is currently receiving treatment in Gatawa.
Malama Sa’a (not her real name) described a fierce attack on her co-wife.
“Bandits stormed our house one night. Despite our pleas, one of them slashed my co-wife with a machete. She suffered deep wounds on her head and arms.”
Many displaced residents said the bandits warned them not to farm during this rainy season and continued to extort them through levies and threats.
A source from Dantasakko claimed that 14 people were killed in coordinated attacks on Kofar Ruwa, Shadawa, and Satiru last Wednesday.
“Some people still stay in our village but sleep in the bush or in Gatawa to avoid night attacks,” he said.
He confirmed the arrival of troops on Tuesday, expressing hope that this could mark the beginning of restored peace.
Chairman of Sabon Birni LGA, Alhaji Ayuba Hashimu, confirmed the displacement of residents, attributing their flight to panic over gunfire from military operations in nearby forests.
“They mistook the sounds for bandit attacks. Many have since returned,” he said.
Hashimu added that the local government had distributed 150 bags of rice, maize flour, and bales of wrappers to affected persons, and directed health workers to treat the injured and sick among the displaced.