Five Killed, Women Abducted as Suspected Bello Turji-Led Bandits Attack Sokoto Community

Fresh violence has rocked Sokoto State after suspected bandits reportedly led by notorious kingpin Bello Turji attacked Lajinge community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, leaving at least five people dead and several others missing.

The late-night assault, which reportedly occurred on Tuesday, also left eight residents injured, while several women were allegedly abducted by the attackers. The incident was first reported by conflict reporter Bakatsine in a post shared on his X account on Wednesday.

According to the report, the armed assailants stormed the community, opening a fresh wave of violence that forced residents to flee for safety. The eight injured victims were said to have been taken to hospital for medical treatment.

Beyond the loss of lives, the attackers reportedly made away with a large number of livestock and other valuables after ransacking the community. The exact number of women abducted has not been confirmed, and the whereabouts of those taken remain unknown.

The latest attack has heightened fears among residents, many of whom are worried about the possibility of further assaults in the area. Communities across Sabon Birni and neighbouring parts of Sokoto State have experienced repeated attacks linked to armed bandit groups in recent years.

Reacting to the incident, Bakatsine lamented the continued wave of violence allegedly carried out by Bello Turji and his fighters, saying communities in the region have endured years of killings, displacement and insecurity.

“Bello Turji’s relentless attacks on communities across this axis have continued to cause fear, displacement and loss of lives. How long will these communities continue to endure this cycle of terror without a decisive end to the attacks?” he wrote.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not officially confirmed the attack or released a statement on the reported killings, abductions and destruction in Lajinge community.