Bandits Abduct 49 Villagers in Sokoto as Two Drown While Fleeing Attack

Armed bandits have kidnapped 49 residents of Makuwana village in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area of Sokoto State, while two others drowned while fleeing the attack.

The village head, Alhaji Salisu Ibrahim, revealed the incident on Monday, September 8, 2025, during a condolence visit by Deputy Governor Idris Mohammed Gobir, who came to commiserate over both the abduction and recent flooding in the area.

Ibrahim said the community had endured at least three bandit raids within one week, with the latest forcing some villagers to escape through a river, where two lost their lives. He confirmed that 49 people were taken by the attackers and lamented that flooding had also destroyed residents’ property.

“As Muslims, we have accepted both tragedies in good faith. We now appeal to the state government for assistance,” he said.

Deputy Governor Gobir sympathized with the villagers and pledged that the government would consider building an alternative road to Sabon Birnin after floodwaters destroyed a major route.

He assured that Sokoto State would continue to back security forces in combating banditry and urged residents to remain prayerful for peace and stability. He also prayed for the victims who died in the tragedies.