No fewer than six people have been killed and more than 30 villages deserted following a series of attacks by suspected bandits in Danchadi District of Bodinga Local Government Area, Sokoto State. Residents say thousands have fled their homes as insecurity continues to spread across the area.
Fresh bandit attacks have claimed at least six lives and forced the mass displacement of residents in parts of Sokoto State, with more than 30 communities reportedly abandoned after repeated raids by armed groups.
The latest attacks occurred in Kyaluje and Dibarke communities in Danchadi District, where gunmen also rustled large numbers of livestock, leaving many families without their primary means of livelihood.
According to community leaders and local residents, the attackers stormed the affected villages, killing six people before fleeing with more than 1,000 livestock, including cattle, sheep and goats.
Residents said the persistent attacks have forced thousands of people to abandon their homes and seek refuge in safer neighbouring communities, while several villages have become virtually deserted due to fear of further violence.
Locals also alleged that repeated appeals for improved security had yielded little result, leaving many communities vulnerable to continued attacks.
Sokoto State remains one of the states most affected by banditry in Nigeria’s North-West, with rural communities frequently targeted by armed groups involved in killings, kidnappings and cattle rustling.
The latest incident comes amid renewed concerns over worsening insecurity across parts of the region, despite ongoing military operations aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts.
Community leaders have appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to deploy additional personnel to the affected areas and restore confidence among displaced residents.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not released a detailed official statement on the latest attacks or announced any arrests linked to the incident.
The fresh attacks have heightened fears among residents as humanitarian concerns continue to grow in the affected communities. With dozens of villages reportedly deserted and thousands displaced, stakeholders are calling for urgent security intervention to prevent further loss of lives and property.