In a distressing turn of events, terrorists have once again struck in Sokoto State, this time targeting Tsangaya students in Gidan Bakuso, Gada local government area. The brazen abduction reportedly occurred in the early hours of Saturday, plunging the community into chaos and fear.
According to reports, an unspecified number of students were snatched from their school premises around 1:00 am, leaving their whereabouts unknown. Liman Abubakar, the school’s proprietor, revealed that the situation remains dire, with 15 students still unaccounted for. He recounted the harrowing ordeal, stating that the bandits stormed the town, firing shots indiscriminately before seizing the unsuspecting students.
“This was not the first time the village was attacked by bandits,” Abubakar lamented, underscoring the persistent threat faced by the community.
Confirmation of the attack came from Kabiru Dauda, the representative of Gada-East Constituency in the state House of Assembly. Dauda disclosed receiving a distress call in the early hours, alerting him to the invasion by armed terrorists. Assuring swift action, he asserted that local government authorities and security agencies were mobilized to address the crisis.
Tragically, the wave of violence extended beyond Gidan Bakuso, as terrorists also targeted Turba village in Isa Local Government Area. In a chilling reprisal, three individuals, including the village head, were ruthlessly slain. Habibu Modachi, representing Isa Constituency, condemned the brutality of the attack, linking it to recent security operations targeting bandit hideouts.
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Amidst the escalating violence, the Sokoto State Police Command is yet to confirm the abduction. ASP Ahmad Rufa’i, the command’s spokesperson, expressed unawareness of the incident but pledged to liaise with local authorities for updates.
The timing of these assaults is particularly alarming, coinciding with the state’s efforts to bolster security through initiatives like the Community Guards Corps. Designed to combat banditry and enhance community safety, the program’s implementation underscores the gravity of the security challenges facing Sokoto.
As the search for the abducted students intensifies and communities grapple with the aftermath of terrorist violence, concerns over the safety and security of residents loom large.
