Bandit attacks have escalated in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State, leaving at least five people dead and leading to the abduction of Islamic clerics and the district head of Rinaye.
Eyewitnesses said the attacks lasted for three consecutive days, with armed men raiding different villages, killing residents and kidnapping others.
In Rinaye town, three people were killed, while the district head and local clerics were taken away.
Reports indicate that more than 10 villages have been deserted due to the worsening violence.
The wave of attacks forced hundreds of residents to stage a protest along the highway linking Sokoto, Kebbi, and Niger states, demanding urgent government action.
Some displaced residents said they have received no help from either the government or security agencies, calling for immediate intervention.
Both the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed receiving reports of displaced persons from the area.
Bandit attacks in Sokoto leave clerics, district head abducted
