Sokoto Community Left Devastated After Bandit Attack Claims Lives, Abducts Dozens

A devastating attack by heavily armed bandits has left the Tsamaye community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State reeling. The assault, which began around 9:00 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026, and lasted until after 3:00 a.m. the following day, resulted in the deaths of at least 21 people and the abduction of 37 others. Thousands of residents have fled their homes, seeking safety elsewhere. The bandits, who were well-armed, set fire to two homes, stole livestock, and left the community in a state of utter despair. Witnesses described the chaos that ensued as the attack unfolded, with many attempting to escape by crossing a nearby river. Tragically, the overloaded boats capsized, sweeping away about 25 people, mostly women and children. While seven were rescued alive, 18 others are feared to have drowned. Residents, who spoke to Daily Trust, recounted how the bandits themselves disclosed that they had taken 37 people after relatives called the victims' phones. 'When we called our relatives, the bandits answered the phones and told us they were the ones who abducted them. They said they had taken 37 people,' a resident explained. The attack has also had a profound impact on the local community, with many residents forced to flee their homes and seek shelter elsewhere. The displaced residents are now appealing to the federal and Sokoto State governments to deploy additional security personnel and provide Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to enable security operatives to reclaim the area and allow displaced families to return home safely. The Chairman of Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Ayuba Hashimu, confirmed that the incidents occurred but said he could not independently verify the casualty figures. 'The incidents indeed happened, but I was not there myself. Therefore, I have to verify the figures before I can confirm them,' he said.