Deadly Bandit Raid in Sokoto Claims Imam, Three Lives; 12 Abducted

An assault by suspected armed bandits on Illelar Dawagware village, situated in Sokoto State's Goronyo Local Government Area, has resulted in the deaths of an Imam and three other individuals, alongside the abduction of twelve villagers.

Eyewitness accounts from residents indicate that the attackers, numbering approximately thirty and riding on about nine motorcycles, stormed the community at approximately 12:20 AM on Sunday, June 28, 2026. The assailants reportedly engaged in a thirty-minute operation, during which they fired shots indiscriminately.

A local resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, disclosed that the villagers made efforts to resist the invaders but were ultimately overwhelmed. He further explained that the bandits targeted the village Imam's home, where they killed him and three other people. Following this, they proceeded to various houses, seizing a total of twelve individuals.

“They k!lled our imam, his neighbour and one other. They later abducted 12 people, comprising eight women and four men,” the source informed Daily Trust. He also mentioned that Awwalu, one of the deceased, had his wife and two biological brothers kidnapped from the same residence by the bandits.

The fatalities were identified as Mallam Liman Lawwali Na Ande, Lawwali Na Lami, and Abdullahi Haruna. The list of those abducted includes Amiru, Hauwa, Awwalu, along with nine other individuals. Additionally, Alhaji Samaila suffered a gunshot wound that resulted in a fractured hand and is currently receiving medical attention at a Sokoto health facility, the source added.

Villagers also leveled accusations against security agencies, claiming a lack of response to their distress calls during the onslaught. “We called security personnel in Goronyo for reinforcement and even offered to provide money for fuel, but they did not come,” the anonymous source asserted.

According to the resident, this recent incident marks the 24th documented assault on the community. He recounted, “They came two years ago and k!lled seven people from the same family inside a mosque. We had not experienced another attack until now. Just last Sunday, some displaced residents returned to the village after spending about two years away.”

Another villager, present at the Imam's funeral, confirmed that profound fear has engulfed the area, leading many residents to decide against spending nights in the village. He stated, “They will now sleep at the IDPs camp in Goronyo because they fear another attack.”

The community members have issued a plea to both federal and state governments, along with security outfits, to implement swift measures to curb the incessant attacks. This incident follows a similar report by LIB, detailing how bandits had previously killed a chief imam and abducted nine individuals in Kuda-Kuda village, located within the same ward of Goronyo Local Government Area, on a recent Wednesday.