Several suspected bandits were killed on Monday when troops intervened to rescue traders who were ambushed along the Tarah–Karawa route in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The traders were reportedly on their way from Tarah village to the weekly market in Sabon Birni when the gunmen attacked them at Kwanan Akimbo around 8am on Monday.

Residents said soldiers stationed in Kurawa town responded swiftly after hearing gunshots, engaging the attackers in a gun duel that lasted nearly an hour.

“The army engaged them in a fierce battle. The bandits later retreated and fled to their enclave across the stream.

“We counted nine bodies of the bandits in our area, and another four were found in the nearby bush and along the stream.”

The soldiers also recovered several weapons and motorcycles and took them to Kurawa.” One resident told our reporter.

He added that two civilians sustained injuries and were receiving treatment in a hospital, but all the traders were rescued unharmed.

“There was no casualty on the side of the army,” he said.

Communities in Kurawa and neighbouring villages were said to be celebrating the successful operation.

Confirming the incident, the member representing Sabon Birni in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Boza, said at least nine bodies believed to be those of the attackers had been recovered, adding that more searches were ongoing.

“A lot of weapons and motorcycles were recovered from them. I hope our army will sustain this tempo,” he said.

The latest incident comes barely a day after bandits attacked Gatawa and Shalla villages in Sabon Birni and Isa local government areas, killing seven people and abducting several women. (Daily Trust)