Bandits kill former councillor, kidnap many in Sokoto midnight attack

Kabunga community in Kware Local Government Area of Sokoto State was thrown into mourning late Tuesday following a brutal midnight attack by armed bandits.

At least two people were killed during the assault, including a former councillor, Alhaji Yahaya Bawa Rumus. Residents told security sources that the gunmen stormed the community around midnight, firing sporadically and moving from house to house.

“The entire community is in shock. They killed our former councillor and one other person. Many people were taken. We don’t even know the number yet,” one resident said, describing the incident as “another night of horror” for a region long under siege.

As of Wednesday morning, security agencies have not issued any official statement. Residents said no reinforcement arrived while the attack lasted.

“The government keeps telling us they are on top of the situation, but people are being killed and abducted every week,” another local said in frustration.

The latest assault in Kware came just days after a series of coordinated attacks on multiple communities in Sabon-Birni LGA of the state.

The Northwest security source, Bakatsine, disclosed in an X post that the terrorists struck Yar Bulutu, Gajit, Alkalawa, Garin Magaji and Damba communities on Thursday night, killing several residents, injuring many, and abducting an undisclosed number of people.

He described the situation simply as “SAD NEWS.”

According to community observations, locals fear the renewed violence may be linked to recent developments in neighbouring Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State, particularly the reported truce between government actors and the Bello Turji faction of bandits — a development they suspect may be fuelling increased attacks across Isa and Sabon-Birni LGAs.

“These concerns are still based on community observations and have not yet been officially confirmed,” the source added.