No fewer than 21 people are feared dead and 37 others abducted after heavily armed terrorists attacked Tsamaye community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, the second attack on the community in a week. Thousands of residents fled their homes.
The attack lasted from around 9 p.m. Monday until after 3 a.m. the next day, leaving two homes burnt and the community deserted. Those confirmed killed include Kabiru Tanimu, Ayuba Hashim, and Yakubu Mu’azu, with many others still missing. Last Wednesday, the same community was attacked, killing eight residents, including three worshippers inside a mosque.
The latest assault also triggered a boat tragedy, as villagers fleeing across a river had their overloaded boats capsize. About 25 people, mostly women and children, were swept away, seven were rescued, while 18 are feared to have drowned.
Residents said the terrorists confirmed the abductions themselves when relatives called victims’ phones, claiming 37 people had been taken. Many victims were seized from nearby farms, where residents had been sleeping to avoid attacks. Most of those abducted were women and children.
Residents said security personnel were alerted early but did not arrive until after the attackers had left. A local vigilante said security operatives lacked adequate equipment, and the area urgently needs Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to respond effectively.
The violence has forced residents from several surrounding communities to flee. Displaced residents are appealing to federal and state governments for urgent security deployment. The Sabon Birni LGA Chairman confirmed the attack but could not verify casualty figures, while the Sokoto State Police Command confirmed additional security personnel have been deployed.
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