Fresh Bandit Attack Hits Sokoto Community, Residents Fear Rising Insecurity

Armed bandits attacked Tarah community in Sabon-Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Tuesday night, abducting nine residents and injuring one person with a gunshot wound to the arm.

Local sources told ROYAL NEWS that the assault is part of a disturbing pattern in northern Nigeria, where communities often experience fresh attacks barely a day after victims are freed from captivity.

According to residents, youths in the area quickly mobilised to confront the gunmen, a move that helped prevent what could have been a more devastating incident. The attack came just days after members of the community’s vigilante group were redeployed to Katsira, leaving Tarah vulnerable at a critical period.

Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Bakastine, expressed concern on his X handle on Wednesday, warning that the repeated attacks highlight the urgent need for strengthened and coordinated security responses to protect rural populations.

The latest incident has renewed fears over rising abductions and killings across northern states, where communities continue to face relentless threats despite ongoing military and police efforts.