Bandits have abducted more than 150 individuals and stolen over 1,000 cattle from villages in the Gobir Emirate of Sokoto State.
This violent incident follows the recent death of the Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, who was kidnapped and killed by bandits on July 29.
The late Emir, who was also the District Head of Gatawa, was captured alongside his son and six others on the Sokoto-Sabon Birni Road.
In a disturbing video, he pleaded for ransom payments from the Sokoto State government, the Sultanate Council, and his relatives before his death.
His killing prompted widespread protests and led to a curfew being imposed on Sabon Birni.
Professor Bello Bada from Usmanu Danfodio University criticized the lack of effective security, pointing out that bandits are reportedly known and even negotiate with locals.
He questioned why the bandits could operate freely and transport stolen cattle without detection.
Aminu Boza, a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, reported that bandits attacked Tsamaye village the day after the Emir’s death, abducting additional people and raiding other villages.
He stated that a total of 192 people have been kidnapped, and the bandits have caused significant economic damage, with more than 20,000 hectares of farmland rendered unusable.
Boza also highlighted a shortage of security personnel in affected areas, noting that notorious bandit leaders are known to reside nearby.
He called for increased military deployment to address the banditry crisis and urged the federal government to take action.
Sokoto State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmad Rufa’i, has stated that the police are investigating the reports of abductions and will provide further information after checking with the Sabon Birni Divisional Office.
