The Sokoto State Police Command has verified that bandits carried out an attack on communities within the state’s Shagari Local Government Area, and a police inspector was reportedly killed in the incident.
DSP Ahmed Rufai, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the attack to our correspondent on Tuesday, stating that the Divisional Police Officer overseeing Shagari had provided the command with a briefing on the incident.
Rufai, however, noted that the command was still collecting details in order to ascertain what happened and establish the casualties.
He said, “I just spoke with the DPO in charge of Shagari now, who confirmed the attack on some communities in the local government.
“We are still on it. I cannot give details now until I gather my information about the incident. I will get back to you on it.”
The confirmation came after reports that armed bandits were moving around farmlands and communities in the area, especially in the direction of Sanyin Nawal village.
Hassan Sahabi, a resident of Sanyin Nawal, had raised the alarm earlier in a social media post, urging prayers for residents as the armed men were said to have passed through the community.
He wrote, “We are seeking your prayers to God for His protection. Bandits are currently in my community in Sanyin Nawal. Please pray for us.”
According to another report of the incident, the bandits were said to have moved through Shagari farmlands during the morning hours before making their way to Sanyin Nawal, where they allegedly halted some vehicles and robbed travellers.
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The attackers were also reported to have lingered near a pond, where they allegedly ate food and drank Maltina, and a motorcycle was said to have been set on fire before they continued through nearby villages.
The report went on to say that, while returning in the evening around Maghrib, the bandits came across a passenger vehicle and opened fire on it.
A police officer named Inspector Isah Muhammad Girkau was reportedly struck by a bullet and died as a result of his wounds.
The police command, however, has not yet formally confirmed the identity of the officer who died or given any details about the circumstances of his death.
This incident has once again raised worries about how exposed rural communities and roads in certain parts of Sokoto State are to attacks and movements by armed groups.
