Bandits k!ll village head, his son and four others in Sokoto community

Bandits have k!lled the Village Head of Kulodo in Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Alhaji Abubakar Tudu, his eldest son, Abubakar Abubakar, and four other residents in a fresh attack on the community.

The assailants also k!lled another resident in neighbouring Kwance village during the attack. 

The attack occurred while residents were observing the Asr prayer on Friday, July 3, 2026.

The victims were buried amid tears on Saturday, July 4.

A security source told Daily Trust that the bandits stormed Kulodo and Kwance villages in large numbers on motorcycles, opening fire indiscriminately.

According to the source, those k!lled in Kulodo included the village head, his eldest son, Rufa’i Bala, Muhammad Sanusi and Aliyu Dan-Uti, while Yellow Dikko was k!lled in Kwance village.

“The bandits invaded the communities in large numbers and immediately began shooting,” the source said.

“They k!lled the village head, his eldest son and four other residents before moving to the neighbouring village, where they also k!lled another person.” 

The source added that the attackers rustled a large number of livestock but did not abduct any residents.

“They were mainly after animals. They forced local herders to drive the stolen cattle while they escorted them on motorcycles.

“The herders later told us the livestock were taken to a forest in Zamfara State before they were released to return home,” the source said.

He further disclosed that the attack has forced women and children to flee both communities.

“We have just returned from the villages after accompanying some state government officials and lawmakers on a condolence visit.

“The situation is devastating. Virtually all the women and children have fled, leaving behind only a few men,” he added.

The bodies were recovered and taken for burial after security personnel and senior government officials arrived in the affected communities.

A Nigeria Red Cross official, Ahmad Suleiman, who participated in the recovery of the bodies, preparation for burial and funeral arrangements in accordance with Islamic rites, confirmed to Daily Trust that volunteers worked alongside security agencies and community members throughout the exercise.

A resident described the late village head as a respected community leader who dedicated his life to serving the people, adding that his eldest son was equally known for supporting members of the community.

Another elderly resident said the attackers looted cash, mobile phones and other valuables from several households.

He alleged that one resident, identified as Alhaji Shehu, lost more than N1 million in cash and over 40 cattle during the attack.

“They went from house to house and from room to room, taking away anything of value. They spared almost nothing,” he said.

The resident commended the visit by senior government officials, including the Secretary to the Sokoto State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa; the member representing Bodinga, Dange Shuni and Tureta Federal Constituency, Nasiru Shehu Bobo; the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Tukur Bala Bodinga; the chairman of Bodinga Local Government Area; the Commissioner of Police, represented by the Area Commander of the Bodinga Area Command; military personnel, DSS operatives and other officials who supervised the evacuation of the bodies and ensured that the victims received proper Islamic burial rites.

The latest attack came barely 24 hours after bandits reportedly k!lled the Chief Imam of Talluje village and two other residents in another attack in Bodinga Local Government Area, raising fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in the area.