Suspected terrorists, locally dubbed as bandits, have abducted a newly wedded bride and four bridesmaids in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The tragic incident happened on Saturday at Kwaren Gamba, near Kuka Teke, a village plagued by repeated attacks from armed groups linked to notorious bandits leader, Bello Turji.
Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen stormed the area and forcefully took the victims, causing widespread panic.
Residents were left helpless as the assailants disappeared into the night.
A security source, Zagazola Makama, revealed that the community remains in shock.
Families of the abductees are devastated, with many expressing despair over the growing insecurity in the region.
“The situation is unbearable, and our people are losing hope,” said a local elder who spoke anonymously.
Bandits Loyal to Bello Turji Abduct Newly-Wedded Bride and Four Bridesmaids in Sokoto
By; Zagazola Makama
Tragedy struck in Sabon Birni Local Government Area as suspected bandits abducted a newly-wedded bride along with four bridesmaids shortly after the wedding ceremony.… pic.twitter.com/4b7q8m3IY8
— Zagazola (@ZagazOlaMakama) December 8, 2024
The Bureau Newspaper had learnt that the terrorists stormed Dantudu Lajinge village in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area and slit the throat of nine persons, identified as members of the community’s local security outfit, known as vigilante.
The wives of the slain persons were reportedly abducted while the remains of their spouses lay in the pool of blood.
The incident happened on Monday, according to some villagers who escaped the mayhem.
Bello Dan-Tudu, a resident of the village told The Bureau Newspaper that, “they targeted members of our vigilante group and slaughtered nine of them like ordinary rams.”
However, another resident, who pleaded to be anonymous, said the 10 persons were shot in the neck at close range, adding that the tenth person survived and was receiving medication at a hospital.
The Chairman of Sabon Birni Local Government Council, Ayuba Hamisu, also confirmed the attack and fatalities.