Bandits Kill Three, Abduct 28 in Sokoto Community, Mentally Ill Man Among Victims

Three residents have been killed and 28 others reportedly abducted after armed bandits invaded Kagara community in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, leaving families devastated and residents calling for urgent security intervention.

The attack occurred on Saturday night, September 19, 2026, beginning at about 8:58pm and reportedly continuing for nearly three hours, with residents saying sporadic gunshots were heard across the community until around midnight.

One of the victims was identified as Abdullahi Lawwali, a mentally ill man who, according to residents, had previously received treatment at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kware, Sokoto State.

A resident told Daily Trust that Lawwali was shot dead after he allegedly refused to follow the attackers when they attempted to abduct him. Seven other people were reportedly taken away from his household during the same attack.

The incident has left families in anguish, particularly those whose loved ones were taken into the surrounding bush.

One resident recounted how he narrowly escaped after hearing gunshots shortly after returning from I’sha prayer. He said he later hid for safety and returned home around midnight, only to discover that six members of his household had been abducted.

Those taken, according to him, included his wife, Hassana; daughter-in-law, Marliyya; son, Atiku; daughters, Jamila and Amina; and his neighbour’s daughter, Yajja.

He said his wife and two daughters were later released. His wife reportedly told him that the abductors had taken them as far as Danjiro village.

Residents said the attackers moved from house to house during the operation. Seven people were reportedly abducted from the home of Abdullahi Dan Abu, while another seven were taken from the residence of Mallam Lawwali.

According to another resident, 28 people were initially abducted, but 10 were released on Sunday morning while two others were released later in the afternoon, leaving 16 people reportedly still in captivity.

The resident also identified Maryam Tukur, the wife of his elder brother, among those abducted.

Three people were reportedly killed during the attack. They were identified as Ummaru Gobir, Lawwali Idi na Abu and Abdullahi Lawwali. Lawwali Musa and two other residents reportedly sustained gunshot injuries and were receiving treatment at Goronyo hospital.

Police give different figures

However, the Sokoto State Police Command gave a different account of the incident.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, confirmed that three people were killed but said nine people were abducted during the attack.

Rufai further stated that all nine abducted persons had escaped from captivity, while one dead body was recovered at the scene.

The difference between the figures provided by residents and the police has created uncertainty over the actual number of people still missing.

While residents insist that 28 people were initially taken away, with 16 allegedly still in captivity after some releases, the police account puts the number abducted at nine and says all of them escaped.

Global Mirror News reports that the conflicting figures underline the need for authorities to urgently establish the whereabouts and safety of every person reported missing after the attack.

The Kagara incident is also coming amid renewed security concerns across parts of Sokoto State. Recent attacks in the state have resulted in killings, abductions and displacement, with residents repeatedly appealing for stronger security presence in vulnerable communities.

Earlier reports have also documented deadly attacks in Goronyo and neighbouring areas, including an incident in June in which four people were reportedly killed and 12 residents abducted in Illelar Dawagware.

For residents of Kagara, however, the immediate concern remains the fate of those still unaccounted for.

Families are waiting anxiously for news of their loved ones, while community members have appealed to the authorities to deploy more security personnel to the area and prevent further attacks.

The latest incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of residents in rural communities of Sokoto State, where repeated attacks have disrupted normal life and forced many families to live under persistent fear.

Global Mirror News will continue to monitor developments, particularly efforts by security agencies to establish the true number of victims and locate anyone still in captivity.