Five Feared Dead, as Bandits Attack Sokoto Community; Renewed Concerns Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Safety in Custody
“Five people were feared dead and six abducted after bandits attacked Gatawa village in Sokoto State, prompting renewed concerns about the safety of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, recently transferred to the Sokoto Correctional Centre.”
At least five persons have been feared dead following a bandit attack on Gatawa village in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area of Sokoto State, residents have confirmed.
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity told Leadership that the attack occurred in the early hours of the morning, leaving one person critically injured.
According to him, six people were abducted, including “two married women, two teenage girls, and two young boys,” by the attackers suspected to be armed bandits.
“The bandits invaded our community around 1:30 a.m. and started shooting sporadically. Our vigilantes engaged them, but four of them paid the supreme price on the spot,” he said.
He added that two other residents sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to the hospital, but “one later died.”
The attackers reportedly rustled livestock before fleeing the village.
“We heard gunfire between them and security agents, but none of the abducted persons were rescued,” the resident added.
Rising Concerns Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Safety
The incident has also triggered renewed discussions about the security situation in Sokoto State, particularly following the recent transfer of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to the Sokoto Correctional Centre after his conviction on November 20, 2025.
Kanu’s supporters and various socio-political groups have repeatedly expressed worries about his safety, citing persistent insecurity in parts of the state.
Many of his followers maintain that his conviction was “unjust” and argue that his long-standing calls for a referendum stem from what they describe as perceived marginalisation of the South-East. They also claim that issues of insecurity, including attacks attributed to violent herder groups, have not been adequately addressed by successive administrations.
However, the federal government has consistently maintained that Kanu’s prosecution follows due process and that adequate security measures are in place for all inmates in custody.
