Suspected bandits have attacked Achida town in Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing two people and abducting at least 25 others.

The incident occurred late Thursday in the community, located about 20 kilometres from Sokoto metropolis, an area increasingly affected by banditry in the eastern part of the state.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the town around 11pm, and operated unchallenged for about an hour.

During the attack, the gunmen reportedly killed two residents and abducted several others, including women, a 10-year-old boy, and local vigilantes.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the assailants initially targeted a vigilante outpost on the outskirts of the town.

“They surrounded our vigilantes, who were at their post, and abducted them before moving into the town to take women and children from their homes,” the source said.

According to the resident, the attackers carried out the operation quietly and only began shooting after completing the abductions, triggering panic in the community.

“We were unaware of their presence until about midnight when gunshots rang out. That was when two of our men were killed,” he added.

Another resident explained that the bandits appeared to have operated in coordinated groups, with one faction positioned outside the town to monitor possible military intervention, while others carried out the raid.

Following the attack, residents have called on the government to establish a military outpost in Achida to prevent further incidents.

“Achida is just 20 kilometres from Sokoto town. The attackers are getting closer, and the government must act to protect us,” the resident said, noting that nearby communities have also recently experienced similar attacks.

Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, for official confirmation were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. (Daily Trust)