Bandits loyal to Bello Turji k!ll Sokoto community leader, abduct mothers, babies and teenagers
Armed bandits loyal to notorious kingpin Bello Turji have attacked Kurawa village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, k!lling two people and abducting 15 others, including four nursing mothers, their babies, and five teenagers.
The heavily armed attackers reportedly invaded the village around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
One of the victims was a community leader, Alhaji Isu Saraki. Two others including a member of the Sokoto State Community Guards — were injured and are currently receiving treatment.
Confirming the incident to Daily Trust, the lawmaker representing the area, Hon. Sa’idu Ibrahim, said 15 residents were taken by the assailants.
“The abductees include six women, four of whom are nursing mothers. Their babies were also taken, along with five teenagers aged between 14 and 15,” he said.
Hon. Ibrahim attributed the surge in attacks on communities in the area to ongoing military operations in neighbouring Zamfara State and a peace initiative in Katsina, which he argued is unlikely to succeed because “the bandits are not willing to surrender their arms.
He noted that although mobile police officers had been redeployed to the area, they failed to remain at their assigned posts.
The attack comes a day after bandits invaded Tarah community, also in Sabon Birni LGA, abducting nine residents and injuring one person.
That incident occurred shortly after members of the community’s vigilante group were reportedly redeployed to Katsira, leaving Tarah vulnerable.
