Suspected bandits have killed the Chief Imam of Talluje village and two other residents during coordinated attacks on Talluje and neighbouring Chofi village in Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The attacks, which occurred on Wednesday in Danchadi District, lasted for about two hours and forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes.
The latest incident brings to three the number of Chief Imams reportedly killed by bandits in Sokoto State within the past few weeks, underscoring growing insecurity in parts of the state.
Residents said the attackers stormed the two communities simultaneously at about 4 p.m., firing indiscriminately before escaping with an unspecified number of rustled livestock.
A community leader in Danchadi said the Chief Imam of Talluje was among those killed, while the identities of the two other victims were yet to be confirmed.
“The attacks started around 4 p.m. and continued until about 6 p.m. The bandits killed the Chief Imam of Talluje and two other persons before fleeing,” the source said.
The attacks also triggered mass displacement, with many residents, particularly women and children, fleeing to neighbouring communities and Bodinga town for safety.
“As I speak, many displaced people are arriving with their belongings after escaping from the affected villages,” the community leader added.
Another resident confirmed that the attackers carted away a large number of livestock, although the exact number could not be immediately ascertained.
A senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the attack and the killing of the Chief Imam, saying security operatives had been deployed to the area.
“We have received reports of the attack and mobilised our anti-kidnapping unit because there are fears the bandits may return,” the officer said.
Residents said the attackers entered the communities on motorcycles through Duma village, which borders Tureta Local Government Area.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said he had yet to receive a briefing on the incident but promised to provide an update after making inquiries.
(The Whistler)