Bandits invade Sokoto market, kill 19 traders

No fewer than 19 people were killed when bandits attacked a market in Sokoto State.

The attack also left several others injured, majority of whom are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Sabon Birni.

Unguwan Lalle, a community located along Goronyo-Sabon Birni road, has suffered a series of bandits attacks in recent months.

A resident told our correspondent that, Friday’s attack happened during market hours.

National Daily learnt that Unguwan Lalle market is among the popular markets in the eastern part of Sokoto state and is being patronised by traders from different parts of the state and from Zamfara, Kebbi and neighbouring Niger Republic.

However, the identities of the victims were not ascertained yet, but another source told our reporter that two biological brothers who trade in hide and skin were among those killed.

“The two brothers came to the market from the city. We just buried them at Tudun Wada cemetery in Sokoto South local government area,” our source said.

National Daily learnt that the attackers stormed the market shortly after all the traders had returned from the Juma’at congregational prayers.

“They came around 3 pm, surrounded the market and started shooting sporadically.”

“I counted about 19 bodies and many were still unaccounted for,” it said