Armed attackers stormed the Tsamaye community in the Sabon Birni region of Sokoto State, leading to at least 21 reported deaths and 37 abductions. This violent surge has caused thousands of residents to abandon their homes, leaving the village largely empty.
The raid began late Monday and persisted until early Tuesday morning, resulting in arson, theft of livestock, and widespread terror. Witnesses identified some of the victims as Kabiru Tanimu, Ayuba Hashim, and Yakubu Mu’azu. This event follows a separate incident last Wednesday that killed eight people, highlighting the escalating instability in the North-West region.
Tragedy struck again as residents attempted to cross a river to flee the violence. An overloaded boat capsized, leading to 18 people feared drowned, with only seven survivors rescued. Meanwhile, relatives of the 37 abducted individuals reported that the attackers answered the victims’ phones to confirm the kidnappings, which targeted people hiding in nearby farms and forests. Survivors expressed frustration that security forces failed to provide support despite receiving prior notification of the invasion.
Local authorities and the police have acknowledged the incident, with officials noting that they are verifying the casualty numbers and deploying additional security units. Displaced citizens from Tsamaye and surrounding villages are now urging the federal and state governments to provide armored vehicles and increased protection so they may eventually return home.
