Death Toll in Sokoto Bandit Attacks Rises to Eight

The death toll from bandit attacks on communities in Danchadi District, Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State, has risen from six to eight, district authorities said Sunday.

District Head Alhaji Lirwanu Mafaran Kuwarun Sarkin Musulmi disclosed the updated figure in a telephone interview, saying fresh investigations confirmed the higher toll and additional displacement.

"Based on our investigation, eight people were killed in communities under my district during the attacks, and several residents have been displaced," he said.

The traditional ruler described the humanitarian situation as dire, saying many residents remain traumatised. "My people are living in fear and confusion. Some women are still searching for their husbands after the attacks," he said.

He said the assault was the first of its kind recorded in the district and alleged the attackers infiltrated from neighbouring Zamfara State through Tureta Local Government Area. "This is the first time we have experienced such an attack. We suspect the bandits came from Zamfara through Tureta. The attack was devastating," he said.

He appealed to the federal and Sokoto State governments and security agencies to deploy more personnel to the affected communities to restore peace and allow displaced residents to return home.

The latest toll follows sustained attacks in the district that have forced residents of about 30 villages to flee and left more than 1,000 livestock reportedly rustled.