The fragile calm recently enjoyed in Sokoto State was shattered on Wednesday night as suspected terrorists launched an attack on Chacho village in Wurno Local Government Area (LGA), abducting nine residents and injuring two others.
The late-night assault, which residents described as sudden and terrifying, has plunged the community into renewed fear and uncertainty, raising concerns over the security situation in parts of the North-West state.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers stormed the village from the Sabon Birni forest axis shortly before midnight, firing sporadically to intimidate residents and create confusion before carrying out their operation.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said the assailants arrived in large numbers and opened fire without warning.
“They came without warning and started shooting. The sound of gunfire was deafening, and people ran in different directions for safety,” the source recounted.
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Another resident noted that despite proactive efforts by local vigilante groups to strengthen security following a similar incident last year, the attackers managed to catch the community off guard.
In the aftermath of the attack, villagers discovered that nine persons — seven women and two men — had been abducted by the gunmen. Two other residents sustained injuries during the chaos that ensued as people attempted to flee the scene.
The latest incident has also revived painful memories among residents, particularly the abduction of a bride-to-be from the same village on the eve of her wedding last year — an event that had left the community traumatised.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Sokoto State Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ahmad Rufai, said further details would be provided after he receives a comprehensive briefing on the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to release additional information regarding possible rescue efforts or arrests connected to the attack.
The renewed violence underscores the persistent security challenges facing communities in Sokoto State and other parts of the North-West, where residents continue to grapple with threats from armed groups operating within forested areas.