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At least 17 people, including seven visitors who had returned home for the Eid al-Kabir celebrations, were killed when armed bandits attacked Dangulbi community in Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
According to reports from residents, the attackers, who arrived in large numbers on motorcycles, invaded the community on Sunday morning, shooting sporadically, looting shops, and forcing villagers to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
Local sources said the armed group was believed to have moved through several communities in Zamfara State before settling briefly in a nearby village overnight before launching the attack.
A resident who requested anonymity said the gunmen stormed the community late morning and immediately opened fire, causing panic as residents ran in different directions. He added that 17 people were confirmed killed during the attack, while several others managed to escape.
“They started shooting as soon as they arrived. People ran in different directions in search of safety, but 17 people lost their lives during the attack,” the source said to Punch.
Those killed were identified by locals as including several members of the community as well as visitors from neighbouring areas who had travelled in for the festive period.
According to residents, some of the victims were visitors from Gummi Local Government Area in Zamfara State, while others had come from Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State for Sallah celebrations.
Community members further said the attackers remained in the area for hours, preventing recovery of bodies and delaying burial rites until later in the evening after they had left.
Residents explained that funeral prayers were eventually conducted at night once normalcy temporarily returned.
“They stayed until about 7 p.m., making it impossible for anyone to come out. Funeral prayers were eventually conducted after 9:30 p.m. when they left,” the source added.
They also alleged that about 20 shops were looted during the invasion, and that the attackers moved on to nearby communities where further incidents, including abductions, were reported.
Some of those abducted were said to have escaped later after heavy rainfall disrupted the attackers’ movement and created confusion. In the aftermath, many residents reportedly fled Dangulbi and surrounding villages, seeking safety in neighbouring communities across the region.
Community members have appealed for a stronger security presence and improved infrastructure, arguing that poor road access continues to delay emergency response and exposes rural areas to repeated attacks.
The incident adds to a growing pattern of violence in the region, raising fresh concerns over insecurity and its impact on farming activities ahead of the rainy season.
Police authorities in Sokoto State confirmed awareness of the attack and said security operations were ongoing to restore order and pursue the attackers.
