The number of people killed in the recent bandit attacks on communities in Danchadi District, Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State, has increased from six to eight after fresh findings by district authorities.
The District Head of Danchadi, Alhaji Lirwanu Mafaran Kuwarun Sarkin Musulmi, revealed this during a telephone interview with our correspondent on Sunday.
He said an investigation carried out after the attacks confirmed that eight residents lost their lives, while several others were forced to leave their homes.
“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 district head said the situation remains serious, with many residents still struggling to recover from the attacks.
“My people are living in fear and confusion. Some women are still searching for their husbands after the attacks,” he added.
He also said it was the first time the district had suffered such an attack and claimed the bandits entered the area 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.
The traditional ruler called on the Federal Government, the Sokoto State Government and security agencies to send more security personnel to the affected communities. He said this would help restore peace and allow displaced residents to return to their homes.
The updated death toll follows repeated attacks on communities in the district, which forced residents of about 30 villages to flee their homes. During the attacks, more than 1,000 livestock were also reportedly rustled by the bandits.
