Terror Attack: 6 Soldiers Killed, Family Burned To Death In Zamfara, Sokoto Communities

Suspected terrorists launched coordinated attacks on communities in Zamfara and Sokoto states late Saturday, killing at least 18 people, including six soldiers, abducting dozens of residents, and razing homes.

In Kasuwar Daji, Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, the attackers reportedly overran a military outpost before invading the community at about 11:30 p.m.

Residents said six soldiers were killed during the assault, while at least 75 people were abducted and taken into the forest. The gunmen also looted shops, carting away food items, drinks, and other valuables.

A resident, Alhaji Aminu Kasuwar Daji, said the attackers arrived in large numbers and opened fire indiscriminately before overpowering security personnel.

“We are calling on both the Zamfara State Government and the Federal Government to urgently address the worsening insecurity. If terrorists can overpower military personnel and freely attack innocent citizens, then our communities are no longer safe,” he said.

Former Deputy Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Namadi Kasuwar Daji, also confirmed the attack, saying relatives informed him that several residents were abducted after the assailants looted properties.

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The Zamfara State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said he was yet to receive details of the incident but promised to verify the report.

In a separate attack, suspected terrorists killed at least 12 people during an overnight raid on Lajinge village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Residents said the attackers invaded the community at about 11 p.m. on Saturday and operated until about 3:30 a.m. on Sunday without any reported security intervention.

According to community sources, 11 victims died from gunshot wounds, while a woman identified as Agada died from shock during the attack.

Six of the victims were reportedly burnt alive after the attackers set ablaze a room where they had sought refuge. Those killed in the fire included the head of the household, Mallam Wauro, popularly known as Mallam Roro, his two sons, Ukasha and Mujaheed, two relatives identified as Sufyanu and Sani Shanbami, and an internally displaced person taking shelter in the house.

Another resident, Lawwali, was shot dead while attempting to flee, while several other victims were killed as they tried to escape the village.

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Residents said the attackers also rustled cattle and sheep, abducted an unspecified number of villagers, including two wives of Mallam Wauro, and looted several homes. Although many residents were kidnapped, some children were reportedly released by the gunmen.

Community members lamented that the attack lasted for about four hours without any security response despite repeated distress calls. They also alleged that security personnel stationed in nearby communities failed to intervene.

Vanguard reports that the residents renewed calls for increased security deployment, noting that eight people were killed in the area about three weeks earlier.

“We are appealing to the government to protect our lives and property. Our communities remain under constant threat,” a resident said.

The Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said he was travelling at the time of the inquiry and would verify the incident upon reaching his office. No official update had been provided as of press time.

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