At least 17 people were killed when heavily armed bandits stormed Dangulbi community in Tureta LGA, Sokoto State, on the morning of Sunday, May 31.
Witnesses said a large gang on motorcycles rode in between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. and opened fire, sending terrified residents running into nearby forests. “They started shooting as soon as they arrived. People ran in different directions in search of safety, but 17 people lost their lives during the attack,” a resident who requested anonymity said.
Among the dead were locals and visitors who came for Eid al-Kabir celebrations. Local sources named victims including Munde, Nagoma, Abdullahi, Danbala, Munden Chana, Muhammadu Dan Amo, Hassan, Abubakar Danbaba and Yidi Bafillace. Five came from Adarawa in Gummi LGA (Zamfara), and two from Gidan Gambo in Shagari LGA (Sokoto).
The attackers reportedly looted about 20 shops and stayed in the area for hours, blocking retrieval of bodies and delaying burials. “They stayed until about 7 p.m., making it impossible for anyone to come out. Funeral prayers were eventually conducted after 9:30 p.m. when they left,” the source added.
Gunmen also moved through nearby Kukoki and Birnin Magaji, where people were abducted; locals say the captives later escaped during a heavy rainstorm. Many families have fled to neighboring towns and are calling for stronger security and better roads that would help fast responses.
DSP Ahmed Rufai, Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson, said security agencies know about the attack and are working to restore normalcy.
In a separate earlier report, Oba Kehinde Falodun, monarch of Agamọ in Akure North, Ondo, was reportedly killed by suspected bandits during an attempted palace abduction on Wednesday evening.
