Armed bandits have killed the Chief Imam of Kuda-Kuda village in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State during a deadly overnight attack that also claimed the lives of three other residents and left several people abducted.
The cleric, identified as Liman Audu, was among four people killed when the attackers stormed the community in the early hours of Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
Residents told Daily Trust that the gunmen invaded the village at about 12:58 a.m. and operated for nearly two hours, firing sporadically, rustling livestock, and forcing residents to flee for safety.
A resident who spoke anonymously said the sound of gunfire triggered panic throughout the community.
“We were keeping vigil when we suddenly heard gunshots coming from different directions. We rushed home, woke our families, and fled towards the outskirts of the village to save our lives,” he said.
According to residents, the attackers moved from house to house, abducting several villagers, including married women.
The source added that three victims sustained severe gunshot wounds and were rushed to a hospital in Sokoto for treatment.
“The victims were shot in the chest, with the bullets exiting through their backs. They have been taken to a hospital, but their condition is critical,” he said.
Those killed in the attack were identified as Chief Imam Liman Audu, Yahaya Hasanu, Zahara Mu’azu, and Ibrahim Dayyabu.
Residents said those abducted include Malam Shehu Farar Zaki, Yar Yamma, Khadija, and six other individuals.
Another resident disclosed that the attackers first targeted the residence of the Chief Imam, killing him before confronting three young men and ordering them to accompany them into the forest.
“After killing the Imam, they met three youths and asked them to follow them. When the youths refused, the bandits shot and killed them on the spot,” the resident said.
Community members expressed frustration over what they described as the absence of security intervention during the attack, noting that Kuda-Kuda village has been repeatedly targeted by bandits over the years.
One resident claimed the latest incident was the 11th attack on the community, raising concerns about the continued vulnerability of residents despite repeated calls for improved security.
Meanwhile, two police officers were reportedly killed during a gun battle with armed bandits in Tureta Local Government Area of the state.
The Sokoto State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ahmad Rufai, confirmed the incident while speaking with journalists.
He identified the deceased officers as Inspector Redmo Ijenwa and Police Constable Nura Muhammad.
