Crime

Bandits Killed Over 20 in Devastating Attack on Kwalajiya Village, Sokoto

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 3rd, 2025.

Bandits Killed Over 20 in Devastating Attack on Kwalajiya Village, Sokoto

Bandits

A wave of grief and fear has swept through Kwalajiya, a remote community in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, following a deadly attack by suspected bandits that claimed the lives of more than 20 residents.

The assault, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, has plunged the village into mourning, with many families now displaced or missing loved ones. Eyewitnesses described the horrifying scenes, noting that the attackers arrived heavily armed and began firing indiscriminately before setting homes ablaze.

Multiple sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, reported that women and children were among those killed. Several others remain missing or injured, while survivors are still reeling from the trauma.

In the wake of the incident, the village head is said to have fled to Sokoto city for safety, reportedly seeking refuge with relatives. His condition is unclear, but local accounts suggest he narrowly escaped the violence.

Confirming the attack, the Public Relations Officer of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufae, acknowledged the incident but withheld further details, citing an ongoing investigation.

While the motive behind the massacre remains uncertain, some unconfirmed reports suggest the attack may have stemmed from tensions involving the Lakurawa terrorist group. Local speculation points to a dispute over intermarriage between community members and affiliates of the group, though this claim has not been officially verified.

The massacre has once again highlighted the deepening crisis of insecurity in rural parts of Sokoto State. Residents are calling on both state and federal authorities to act swiftly in protecting vulnerable communities and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.

As the people of Kwalajiya grapple with the aftermath of the assault, the scars—both physical and emotional—run deep. Amid rising fears of further violence, the need for decisive and sustained security intervention has never been more urgent.