Terrorists kill imam, three others, abduct 12 in Sokoto

SOKOTO—Gunmen believed to be bandits killed an imam and three other individuals and abducted 12 residents during an assault on Illela Dawagware village in Goronyo Local Government Area, Sokoto State.

Residents reported that the attackers entered the village around 12:20 a.m. on Sunday, arriving on approximately nine motorcycles.

The assailants, estimated at about 30, carried out the attack for roughly 30 minutes, firing intermittently at the community.

An anonymous resident said villagers tried to repel the attackers but were overrun.

He said the bandits entered the imam’s home, killed him and three others, then moved from house to house, abducting 12 residents.

“They killed our imam, his neighbour, and two others. They then abducted 12 people, eight women and four men,” he stated.

The victims were identified as Mallam Liman Lawwali Na Ande, Lawwali Na Lami, Abdullahi Haruna, and another resident.

The abducted individuals included Amiru, Hauwa, Awwalu, and nine others.

The source added that Samaila suffered a gunshot wound that fractured his hand and is now receiving treatment at a health facility in Sokoto.

Residents also accused security forces of failing to respond to distress calls during the attack.

“We called security personnel in Goronyo for reinforcement and even offered money for fuel