Police confirm officer killed in bandits attack in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed that bandits attacked communities in Shagari Local Government Area. A police inspector was reportedly killed during this attack.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, shared this news with our reporter on Tuesday. He said the Divisional Police Officer in Shagari had updated the command about what happened.

Rufai mentioned that they are still gathering information to understand what occurred and to find out the number of 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.”

This confirmation came after reports about armed bandits moving around farmlands and communities in the area, especially toward Sanyin Nawal village.

A resident of Sanyin Nawal, Hassan Sahabi, raised an alarm on social media, asking for prayers for the community as armed men were reportedly in the area.

He wrote, “We are seeking for your prayers to God for His protection. Bandits are currently in my community in Sanyin Nawal. Please pray for us.”

Another account of the incident said the bandits were seen moving around Shagari farmlands in the morning. They then headed towards Sanyin Nawal, where they reportedly stopped some vehicles and robbed travelers.

The attackers were said to have spent time near a pond, where they allegedly ate food and drank Maltina. They also reportedly set a motorcycle on fire before moving through nearby villages.

The report added that the bandits came across a passenger vehicle while returning in the evening around Maghrib and opened fire. A police officer named Inspector Isah Muhammad Girkau was hit by a bullet and died from his injuries.

However, the police command has not yet officially confirmed the identity of the officer who died or given details about how he was killed.

This incident has raised more concerns about the safety of rural communities and roads in Sokoto State from attacks by armed groups.