Fresh wave of terror: 18 killed, 12 abducted in Adamawa, Sokoto attacks

At least 18 people have been killed and 12 others abducted in separate attacks on rural communities in Adamawa and Sokoto states, exposing renewed security vulnerabilities in areas already grappling with insurgency and banditry.

The attacks, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, saw suspected Boko Haram insurgents invade Zaranga village in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, while armed bandits attacked Tofa community in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Adamawa: 11 killed as attackers burn homes

In Adamawa, residents said 11 people were killed when suspected Boko Haram insurgents stormed Zaranga village, shooting residents and setting houses ablaze.

The attackers reportedly invaded the community before dawn, sending terrified residents fleeing into surrounding forests. Several others were said to be missing after the assault.

A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said 11 bodies had been recovered, while search teams and security personnel were still combing nearby forests for missing residents.

“For now, 11 dead bodies have been recovered. Many people are still missing. Search teams and security personnel are in the forest searching for the missing people,” the resident said.

The human toll extended beyond individual households, with another resident confirming that his wife and two other family members were among those killed.

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“My wife and two of my family members were also killed during the early morning invasion of my village,” he said.

The attackers also reportedly torched several houses during the assault. The full extent of the property destroyed could not immediately be ascertained.

Attempts to obtain official confirmation from the Adamawa State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of filing. The command’s spokesperson, SP Suleiman Nguroje, reportedly did not respond to several telephone calls seeking clarification.

Sokoto: Bandits kill seven, abduct 12

In Sokoto, armed bandits reportedly killed seven people and abducted 12 others during an overnight assault on Tofa village in Rabah Local Government Area.

The attackers were said to have stormed the community around 1 a.m., operating in large numbers and firing sporadically at residents.

A security source said the bandits remained in the community for approximately four hours, killing seven residents and rustling an undisclosed number of livestock.

“They killed seven persons including two women and abducted several others,” the source said.

The victims killed were identified as Malam Muhammadu, Danbakanike, Musa Dan Agaji, Masaudu Basiru, Buba Biti, Yar Kuluwa Basiru and Jamila Umma.

Among those reportedly abducted were Shafiu Bello, Bilyaminu Abubakar, Saifullahi Buhari, Hauwau Zayyanu, Saratu Ibrahim, Safiyya Nasi, Zulaiha Aminu, Bilya Abu, Farida Lawali, Yar Kadan Aminu and Kulu Amadu, alongside another unidentified victim.

However, 10 other victims were reportedly released as the attackers withdrew towards their hideout. Those released were identified as Hadiza Kabiru, Amina Abu, Jiborin Buhari, Babangida Buhari, Fati Abdullahi, Abdurrazak Muhammad, Usman Umar, Nanuwa Aminu, Maryam Isah and Aisha Ummaru.

More abductions reported

The security source further disclosed that two additional people were abducted in separate incidents linked to the same area.

One of the victims was identified as Sani Gayya, popularly known as Magatakarda Saburu, who was reportedly kidnapped while working on his farm in nearby Saburu village.

The incidents have intensified fears among residents of the affected communities, particularly over the vulnerability of rural settlements to attacks carried out under the cover of darkness.

In Adamawa, search operations were continuing for residents still unaccounted for following the Zaranga attack. In Sokoto, families were left awaiting information on the whereabouts and condition of those taken hostage.

A widening security challenge

The attacks also highlight the continuing security challenges confronting communities across Nigeria’s rural areas, where insurgents and bandits have exploited difficult terrain, dispersed settlements and limited security presence to launch deadly raids.

Beyond the immediate loss of lives, the attacks threaten livelihoods by forcing residents away from farms and exposing communities to displacement, livestock theft and prolonged fear.

The simultaneous attacks in two states have further renewed concerns about the ability of vulnerable rural communities to receive timely protection, particularly during the night and early morning hours when security response can be more difficult.

With the number of missing persons in Adamawa still unclear and several abducted residents in Sokoto yet to regain their freedom, the full human cost of Monday’s violence may rise further as search and recovery efforts continue.