Bandits Kill Village Head, One Other in Sokoto Midnight Raid

A fresh wave of violence has hit Sokoto State after suspected bandits stormed Sayinna village in Tangaza Local Government Area, killing two people, including the community’s traditional leader.

What Happened

The attack happened around 1:30 am on Thursday when armed men, believed to be members of the Lakurawa gang, invaded the quiet community.

  • The Village Head of Sayinna, Murtala Sa’adu (47), was killed instantly.

  • Another resident, Ibrahim Mai-Kudi, also lost his life.

  • Witnesses say the attackers, armed with sophisticated weapons, fired indiscriminately as they advanced.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed the incident, adding that the bandits escaped into nearby bushes after the raid. Troops from Operation FANSAN YANMA later arrived, evacuated the victims, and increased patrols in the area to prevent further attacks.

A Growing Pattern of Violence

This isn’t an isolated case. Just days earlier, on September 16, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that notorious bandit kingpin Ado Allero — once central to peace talks in the North West — allegedly led another deadly assault in Zamfara State.

  • His men stormed Keta village in Tsafe LGA, killing the Hakimi of Dogon Dawa (another traditional ruler).

  • They also abducted 40 worshippers from a mosque during the raid.

Why It Matters

The killing of traditional rulers highlights how deep insecurity has cut into rural communities in northern Nigeria. Village heads, once seen as custodians of peace and order, are now frequent targets for armed groups seeking control and influence.

Security forces continue to promise action, but attacks like these show how fragile life remains in many remote villages.

Upgrade to Pro
Choose the Plan That's Right for You
Read More
Fintter https://fintter.com