The Chief Imam of Talluje village in Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State has been reportedly killed on Wednesday after bandits invaded Talluje and the neighbouring Chofi village, leaving two other residents dead and forcing hundreds of villagers to abandon their homes.
The assault reportedly began at about 4:00 p.m., with the gunmen attacking the two communities in Danchadi District for nearly two hours before retreating.
The latest incident raises to three the number of Chief Imams reportedly killed by bandits in Sokoto State within the last few weeks.
Sources revealed that the armed men carried out coordinated assaults on both villages at the same time, firing indiscriminately before escaping with an unspecified number of stolen livestock.
“The attacks started around 4:00 p.m. and continued until about 6:00 p.m. The bandits killed the Chief Imam of Talluje and two other persons whose identities have yet to be confirmed,” a community leader in Danchadi said.
He added that the attacks triggered mass displacement, with residents, mostly women and children, fleeing on foot to safer areas in Danchadi and Bodinga town.
“As I speak, many people are arriving in our communities carrying their belongings after escaping from the affected villages,” the source said.
Another resident confirmed that the attackers also rustled a large number of livestock, although the exact figure could not be immediately verified.
A senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the attack and the killing of the Chief Imam.
“We have received reports of the attack and have mobilized our anti-kidnapping unit to the area because there are fears the bandits may return,” the officer said.
Residents said the attackers reportedly entered the affected communities through Duma village, which borders Tureta Local Government Area, travelling on motorcycles.
Media reports revealed that when contacted, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said he had not yet received a briefing on the incident but pledged to make inquiries and provide an update.
