Bandits have attacked Dukura community in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing two residents and rustling livestock and motorcycles belonging to members of the community.
The attack reportedly occurred on Monday morning as the assailants blocked the road linking the affected communities to Tambuwal Market, disrupting movement and commercial activities in the area.
According to a report by Punch, the attackers operated before security personnel could reach the community. A police source confirmed that two people were killed and that the assailants made away with some animals.
“Unfortunately, before the arrival of the police, the bandits had already killed two people and made away with some animals,” the police spokesperson was quoted as saying.
The police command said efforts were ongoing to obtain further information about the incident and strengthen security in the affected communities.
The latest attack adds to continuing security concerns in parts of Sokoto State, where rural communities have faced repeated incidents involving killings, abductions and livestock rustling.
Kebbe Local Government Area has also witnessed previous attacks. Earlier in September, reports emerged of an attack around Girkau and neighbouring communities in the area in which five people were reportedly killed, while others sustained injuries and livestock were rustled. Police at the time said they had not yet received full details of the incident.
Security agencies have continued to conduct operations against armed groups operating across the state. On Sunday, September 20, troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, carried out operations in several parts of Sokoto State.
The military said troops responding to an attack on Sabon Gari in Wurno Local Government Area engaged the attackers and rescued six kidnapped victims. One civilian who sustained a gunshot wound during the attack was evacuated for medical treatment.
In a separate operation along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area, troops reportedly rescued 17 kidnapped civilians after engaging suspected terrorists. One of the rescued victims, who sustained a fracture, was also taken to hospital.
The military further reported that troops operating in Illela Local Government Area intercepted four suspected members of the Lakurawa group who were allegedly moving rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela. Six cows were recovered during the operation, while the suspects were taken into custody for investigation.
The combination of attacks on communities and the continued rustling of livestock highlights the wider impact of insecurity on rural livelihoods in Sokoto. For many farming and pastoral communities, livestock represents a major source of income and household wealth, meaning that cattle and other animals stolen during attacks can deepen the economic consequences for affected residents.
Authorities have continued to call for increased security operations across vulnerable communities, while residents remain dependent on security agencies for protection against armed groups.
Further details on the identities of the two victims, the number of animals and motorcycles taken, and the identities of those responsible for the Dukura attack were still being established as of the latest police update.
