Sokoto Residents Shutdown Highway Over Fresh Bandit Attacks, Demand Government Action

Angry residents of Bodinga Local Government Area in Sokoto State blocked the busy Bodinga–Sokoto highway on Friday, protesting the renewed wave of bandit attacks that have claimed lives, displaced families, and left many residents missing.

The demonstrators set bonfires on the road and disrupted traffic for several hours before security operatives dispersed them.

The protest reportedly prevented the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga, from passing through, and his official vehicle’s windscreen was smashed.

Journalist Bakatsine, who reports on conflict in Nigeria’s North-West, posted on X that the protesters accused authorities of failing to protect communities from persistent bandit attacks.

Residents said the violence had forced many people to abandon their homes while families searched for missing loved ones.

Bakatsine wrote, “UPDATE: A protest is ongoing in Bodinga, where residents have blocked the major road in the LGA (Bodinga-Sokoto way) to demand urgent government intervention following renewed bandit attacks on villages in the area” . He added, “Residents say the attacks have left people dead, displaced families and separated relatives, with some still searching for missing loved ones”.

Local sources identified the affected villages as Danchadi, Dabagi, Karaje and Taƙule, where armed bandits reportedly invaded and forced families to flee. A displaced woman alleged that her husband was killed during the attack.

Residents of Zango, Biri, Illela, Horo, Danbaro and neighbouring communities have also deserted their villages over fears of further attacks.

A resident from Kyaula village recounted the horror: “They came firing everywhere. We escaped to save our lives. Some people were killed while others were abducted, but I cannot confirm the exact number”.

Another resident stated, “We want the government to act before more innocent people are killed. Entire communities have been displaced”.

Following the protest, senior government officials, including the Speaker, the Secretary to the State Government, and security chiefs, visited affected communities to sympathise with victims and assess the situation.

Hon. Nasiru Shehu Bobo, representing Bodinga Federal Constituency, described the attacks as unfortunate and disclosed that additional security personnel had been deployed to restore peace.

The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the incident, with Police Public Relations Officer DSP Ahmad Rufai stating that security operatives had been conducting operations in the area from Thursday afternoon until about 3 a.m. on Friday, with more personnel deployed to strengthen security.

As of the time of filing reports, the state government had not issued an official statement on the attacks or protest.