- Bandits abduct eight persons including relatives of Sokoto deputy governor
- Attack lasted hours with no security response from authorities
- Residents demand urgent action over worsening insecurity in the area
No fewer than eight residents, including relatives of Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Idris Muhammad Gobir, were abducted by suspected bandits in Garin Idi village, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The attack occurred around 1:00am on Thursday when gunmen riding about eight motorcycles stormed the community, firing repeatedly and forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes and safe locations.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that a resident who confirmed the incident said the assailants operated in the village for nearly two hours without any security response.
The source said, “I have never heard gunshots as intense as what we experienced yesterday. Now, we only fear them when they come, but once they leave, we calm down because we have become used to it. Still, there is no help.”
Another resident disclosed that the attackers initially abducted about 30 people, mostly women and children, but later released some due to limited space on their motorcycles, leaving with eight victims.
The resident said the assailants abducted three men and five women and released some children and others.
The victims were identified as Hassana Adare Maifata, Rabi Alhaji Ishaqa, Kwamuso Umar, Yar’aji Garba, Kabiru Alkasim, Sani Muazu, Jadi Alkasim, who was said to be a patient, and a woman whose father is the same as the deputy governor, the late Aliyu. Most of the victims were reported to be members of the deputy governor’s family.
The attackers also raided a phone charging point in the village, stealing more than 100 mobile phones, power banks, and ₦40,000 in cash.
The resident added, “When they entered the charging point, the operator fled. They then took phones mostly smartphones and power banks being charged, along with cash.”
Attack lasted hours with no security response from authorities
Residents expressed concern over the worsening security situation and called on the government, particularly the deputy governor, to take urgent action.
One of the residents said, “We are appealing to him to look into our condition. As our son and the deputy governor, it is painful that we are being neglected despite being his relatives. We support him and do not wish him ill, but he has not assisted us in this difficult situation.”
