Bandits have abducted nine residents and injured two others in Chacho community, Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

A relative of one of the victims, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers invaded the village around 11:00 pm on Wednesday.

He explained that the gunmen gained access through a route linking the community to the notorious Sabon Birni forest, known as a hideout for bandits.

“We were sleeping outside when someone raised the alarm that bandits had attacked our village. We immediately fled for our lives.

“We heard gunshots from another part of the community, as our house is located at the centre of the village,” he said.

According to him, the attackers abducted seven women and two elderly men during the raid, while two other residents sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.

Residents lamented the rising cases of banditry in the area, attributing the situation to the absence of security personnel.

Police spokesperson in Sokoto, Ahmad Rufai, confirmed the attack but said police authorities were still verifying the exact number of abducted victims. (Daily Trust)