At least seven people have been killed after heavily armed bandits launched an overnight attack on Tsamaye village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, targeting residents and worshippers before setting fire to shops and vehicles.
The attack reportedly began at about 20:30 on Tuesday, 28 July, and continued until around 03:00 the following morning. Several residents were also reportedly abducted, although authorities have not confirmed how many people were taken.
According to local sources, the attackers entered the village in large numbers and opened fire indiscriminately as residents fled for safety.
Worshippers inside a mosque shortly after the Isha prayer were among those caught in the assault, with three people reportedly killed inside the mosque. Four others were killed elsewhere in the village.
The victims included two residents of Tsamaye and five displaced people who had previously fled attacks in neighbouring communities and sought refuge in the village.
Residents said the attackers looted shops, set commercial buildings and vehicles alight, and rustled an unspecified number of livestock before leaving the area.
Eyewitnesses told local media that the gunmen operated for several hours with little resistance.
Community sources alleged that security personnel stationed in the area were overwhelmed by the number of attackers and their firepower, limiting their ability to mount an effective response.
The latest attack highlights the persistent insecurity facing communities in eastern Sokoto, particularly in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, which has suffered repeated attacks by armed bandit groups in recent years.
The violence has displaced thousands of people, disrupted farming activities and worsened humanitarian conditions across the region.
Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson DSP Ahmad Rufai confirmed that police were aware of the attack. He said the command was awaiting comprehensive operational reports from officers deployed to the area before issuing a detailed statement.
Residents have renewed calls for stronger security measures and greater protection against recurring attacks by armed groups.
