Sokoto – Channels Television

Goronyo Attack: Bandits Killed 43 People – Sokoto Govt

Forty-three people have been confirmed killed in the wake of the attack by bandits on Goronyo township in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The state governor, Aminu Tambuwal, who made the clarification on Monday said the toll was confirmed after due diligence on figures of those who lost their lives to the market attack that occurred the previous day.

While receiving the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Governor Tambuwal had said the bandits killed about 30 people.

“The number of people that died in Goronyo; I did say it was above 30. I was not categorical about the figure,” he was quoted as saying in a statement by his media adviser, Muhammad Bello.

“We just finished a meeting with some stakeholders and I have confirmed that we lost 43 people, unfortunately to that incident. May God Almighty have mercy on their souls.”

‘Criminals Under Pressure’

In his reaction to the killing, President Muhammadu Buhari sent a tough warning to bandits, saying their clock of ultimate destruction was ticking and they would no longer have a place to hide.

“The days of the bandits are indeed numbered because the military capabilities of our forces are being boosted by the acquisition and deployment of advanced equipment,” he was also quoted to have said in a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu.

Sokoto, usually referred to as Sokoto State to distinguish it from the city of Sokoto, is located in the extreme northwest of Nigeria, near to the confluence of the Sokoto River and the Rima River — Sokoto, usually referred to as Sokoto State to distinguish it from the city of Sokoto, is located in north-west region of Nigeria.

According to the President, bandits are living in the fool’s paradise of invincibility, but reality will soon dawn on them harder than ever before.

He stressed that the criminals were under desperate pressure because of the intense and sustained air and ground operations against them in their hideouts by the nation’s security forces.

“The cowardly attacks on innocent people by the bandits show a rear-guard action of criminals under pressure,” President Buhari added.

“But they will have no place to hide, and our gallant security forces will not relent in the current offensive to defeat these callous enemies of humanity.”

He appealed to all Nigerians not to despair, saying his administration was more determined to protect Nigerians from murderous criminal gangs that have no respect for the sanctity human of life.

The President also sympathised with the families of the victims and called on the people to continue to be patient as the military strategises on how to crush the bandits.

Banditry: Deploy More Troops To Sokoto, Tambuwal Urges Army

A file photo of soldiers on a military vehicle. Photo: Channels Television/ Sodiq Adelakun.

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto has called for additional deployment of troops to the state, in a bid to stem the rising insecurity currently being experienced.

Tambuwal made the request on Monday when the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya, visited the state.

The governor said as a result of the ongoing military operations in Zamfara State, criminals have been migrating to Sokoto, rendering the state insecure.

He urged the military to carry out a simultaneous operation in all states facing the challenges of banditry and other related security issues in the North West.

Governor Tambuwal who confirmed that gunmen attacked Goronyo market on Sunday night, disclosed that about 30 people were killed by the assailants.

He pledged that his administration would continue to support the army and other security operatives to see that the state was rid of all criminal elements.

A file photo of Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal.

In his response, Lieutenant General Yahaya called on army commanders to always reach out to major stakeholders among the civilian populace.

While stressing that security is everybody’s business, he urged residents in Sokoto to keep collaborating with the army.

Credible information, according to the army chief, will aid the troops as they continue to oust criminal elements from the state and the entire region.

He also urged the people to collaborate with the Nigerian Army for the effective elimination of criminal elements within the society.

UPDATED: 30 Feared Dead In Bandit Attack On Sokoto Town

Suspected bandits have attacked the Goronyo market in Goronyo Local Government Area in the Eastern Senatorial District of Sokoto State.

Sources in the village said the assailants attacked the market in large numbers on Sunday night, shooting sporadically and killing several persons.

Reacting to the attack on Monday, Governor Aminu Tambuwal said about 30 people were feared dead in Goronyo township, the headquarters of Goronyo local government area.

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He disclosed this when the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya paid him a courtesy visit.

“Between last night, yesterday evening till this morning, we were greeted with a very dastardly attack in Goronyo local government, particularly Goronyo Township, where scores and tens have lost their lives and still counting. We’re not sure of the figure. But it is 30 something,” he said.

The governor noted that the army chief has “come at a very trying moment for the army and the Nigerian nation. We’re faced and bedevilled by many security challenges in our own area here, particularly banditry, kidnapping and other associated crimes.”

He called for synergy between the army and other security operatives in the state while requesting for the presence of more forces in the state and the deployment of more resources.

Tambuwal also pledged that his administration will continue to support the army and other security operatives.

The latest attack is the third time in two weeks bandits have attacked a village market in Sokoto State.

Earlier this month, 20 persons were killed at Ungwan Lalle market in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of the state.

For several weeks troops have been conducting air and ground operations on bandit camps in neighbouring Zamfara state where authorities have shut down telecom services to disrupt communication between the gangs.

Bandits fleeing the military operation in Zamfara have set up camps in the Sabon Birni district from where they raid villages.

The influx of bandits from neighbouring Zamfara state prompted authorities in Sokoto to suspend weekly markets and shut down telecom towers in areas on the border with Zamfara, including Sabon Birni.

Last month, 17 Nigerian security personnel were killed when gunmen raided their base in Sabon Birni’s Dama village which the military blamed on Islamic State-aligned jihadists.

11 Suspected Bandits, Food Suppliers Arrested In Sokoto

Eleven suspected bandits and food suppliers have been arrested in Sokoto State, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said on Monday.

The suspects were said to be operating along Tureta and Dange/Shuni Local Government Areas in the Southern Senatorial District of the North-Western state.

According to the NSCDC, two of the suspects confessed to have participated in several attacks including a recent attack on Lambar Tureta and that of Dabagi Haske where eight persons were killed in separate attacks.

While two other suspects accused of supplying food to bandits and providing the bandits’ information aiding their operations confessed to committing the crimes they were accused of, seven others admitted that they are involved in several cattle rustling within Rabba and Wurno Local Government Areas.

Parading the suspects, the NSCDC Commandant, Muhammad Saleh-Dada, said the suspects were apprehended with the support of the vigilante group in the Wurno Local Government Area of the state.

He said the seven cattle rustlers had been terrorising Rabba and Wurno local councils before being arrested with over 40 cows, adding that the animals recovered from the suspects are in the custody of security officials.

It was gathered that some of the bandits who admitted they have participated in many operations, said they were hired by some commanders of the bandits’ group and were only paid N10,000.

They also expressed willingness to lead security operatives to the commanders they are working for in the banditry activities.

This is even as the NSCDC said the suspects will either be handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) or be taken to court for prosecution at the end of the investigation.

Bandits Write Sokoto Community, Demand N20m Ransom For 20 Abductees

Suspected bandits operating in the Eastern Senatorial District of Sokoto state have allegedly written a letter to a monarch in Burkusuma demanding for ransom to secure the release of 20 persons kidnapped from two communities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.

The letter was allegedly written in the Hausa language by one of the victims kidnapped by the bandits and addressed to Sarkin Rafin Burkusuma, the district head of the area.

The bandits informed the monarch that the victims kidnapped from Gatawa and Burkusuma are all in good health and doing great.

They thereafter demanded the sum of N20 million to be paid for the release of the kidnap victims.

The kidnapped victims, whose names were all written in the letter, consist of nine males, eight females and two children.

One of the victims was released to deliver the letter to Gatawa through the Sarkin Rakin Burkusuma.

Multiple sources have it that the bandits have resorted to sending letters to families of kidnapped victims since the shutdown of telecommunication services in the area.

An effort to reach the Sokoto State Police Command for confirmation was unsuccessful as the mobile line of the Police Public Relations Officer, Sanusi Abubakar, could not be reached at the time of filing this report.

Sokoto, just like other states of the North-West has been ravaged by bandits’ activities who kidnap for ransom, kill, steal and maim people.

Just two days ago, bandits had attacked Gangara and Gatawa all in Sabon Birni local government where residents said over twenty persons were killed and 27 persons were kidnapped.

Although the police authorities confirmed the killing of four persons in Gangara town, they, however, did not give detail on the attack in Gatawa.

Bandits Hit Sokoto Military Base, Kill Many

Bandits have attacked a joint military camp in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The Sokoto State Commissioner for Carriers and Security Matters, Colonel Garba Moyi (rtd) confirmed the attack but was not sure of the number of casualties.

However, multiple reports suggest that many may have died following the attack.

Residents of the area and security sources told Channels Television that the gunmen attacked the base, codenamed “Burkusuma Camp”, in the early hours of Sunday, killing an unknown number of military personnel.

According to the sources, the armed men came in their large numbers and started shooting at the camp from all angles.

The military source could not confirm if the said camp is the same with the Burkusuma camp in Sabo Birni Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, a former Chairman of Sabon Birni, Idris Muhammad Gobir, also known as Danchadi, told newsmen that the “Burkusuma Camp” was attacked with several security operatives in the place still missing.

He said the marauding bandits also burnt down two patrol vehicles and carted away another one which was used to convey food items stolen from the villagers.

Although telecommunication services have been shut down in North West State, the former chairman explained that a resident of Burkusuma who accessed mobile telecommunication service from Niger Republic told them about the attack.

Police Appeal For Calm In Sokoto As Suspected Bandits Send Threat Letter To Communities

Woman Who Gave Birth In Bandits’ Camp, 19 Other Victims Regain Freedom

Gunmen Attack Enugu Police Checkpoint, Kill Two Officers

Another resident of the area who craved anonymity, equally confirmed the development, explaining that some vehicles were sent to evacuate the corpses of the fallen heroes.

He said over 10 trucks conveying armed military personnel are in the forest trailing the bandits.

A personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who sought anonymity, said that three persons from the agency were among the casualties.

After carrying out the attack, the bandits later went to another village, Katsira, and shot four persons.

Two of the victims died instantly while others were receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

The bandits also abducted three persons from the village.

Security personnel in the area, including the spokesman of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major Yahaya Ngulde, however, said they are not aware of the incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Sanusi Abubakar also said he has not been briefed about the latest assault on the state.

Mob Razes Sokoto Commissioner’s Home, Destroys District Head’s Properties

Some of the properties destroyed at the district head’s residence.

A mob has razed the residence of the Sokoto State Commissioner of Career and Security Affairs, Colonel Garba Moyi.

The house, located in Isa Local Government Area of the North West State, was burned down on Tuesday.

Sokoto Police Command Public Relations Officer Sanusi Abubakar confirmed the attack on Wednesday, explaining that arrests have also been made following the incident.

While narrating how the incident took place, the police spokesman said a peaceful gathering was organised by some residents of the area to discuss the way forward over security issues.

Police Appeal For Calm In Sokoto As Suspected Bandits Send Threat Letter To Communities

Woman Who Gave Birth In Bandits’ Camp, 19 Other Victims Regain Freedom

Gunmen Attack Enugu Police Checkpoint, Kill Two Officers

The gathering, according to Abubakar, was organised in good faith and resolutions were to be forwarded to appropriate quarters for further action.

A Toyota car (right) was damaged when the mob attacked the district head’s residence.

However, he said some bad elements hijacked it for a protest that went violent, leading to the unfortunate incident.

Sources in the area said after torching the commissioner’s home, the youths also stormed the residence of the District Head and Sarkin Gobir of Isa, Nasiru Ahmed, destroying vehicles and other items.

The attackers had earlier razed a commissioner’s residence.

Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police Kamaludeen Okunola has ordered a full scale investigation to ensure those involved are prosecuted. He also warned residents of the state against taking laws into their hands.

Sokoto Govt Shuts Down Telecom Networks In 14 LGs Over Banditry

The Sokoto State government has shut down telecommunications networks in 14 of the 23 local government areas of the state.

This was disclosed in a statement on Monday by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Muhammad Bello.

“About three weeks after it approved an Executive Order in response to the situation of insecurity in the eastern flank of Sokoto State, Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, on Monday disclosed the state’s collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to block services of communications operations in 14 local government areas of the state,” Bello said.

The LGAs affected by the Executive Order include Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Ilela, Isa, Kebbe, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah, Tambuwal, Tangaza, Tureta, Wurno, and Dange Shuni.

Bello stated that 13 of the local governments were initially affected by the Security Challenges (Containment) Order approved on September 1.

He explained that the order led to the closure of some roads to motorists, suspension of animal trades, prohibition of transportation of cattle, as well as transportation of more than three persons on motorcycles and tricycles, among others.

“In addition to these local government areas, Dange Shuni local government area will also be affected by the latest communications blockade, bringing the number of LGAs affected to 14,” the governor’s spokesman added.

Meanwhile, there was confusion in parts of Sokoto after the telecommunications network from two major service providers went down, as residents were unable to make calls or access internet services.

But telecommunication services were available for users of two other service providers, a situation that reduced the tension and apprehension among the people.

Comments and posts on most social media platforms in the state were mostly expressions of frustration and anger by residents questioning the rationale behind the decision of the authorities.

On Sunday, six locals were killed when bandits attacked Saminaka – a village located along the Bale-Tangaza Road in Tangaza, one of the LGAs affected by the Executive Order.

Sources in the village said the village came under attack in the morning and those killed comprised two married women and four children.

The women were reported to have been shot dead when they made an attempt to escape from the assailants.

However, the spokesman for the Sokoto State Police Command, said they had not been briefed of the attack.

Bandits Kill Two, Abduct Four In Sokoto

Two persons have been killed while four others have been abducted by bandits who attacked Tangaza town in the northern district of Sokoto State on Friday.

According to residents in the area, the bandits attacked the town after the evening prayers and started shooting sporadically, killing a shop owner on the spot.

A young girl was also shot and was rushed to the hospital, but later died.

Three other persons who were injured are now said to be receiving treatment.

In the process of the attack, the bandits carted away foodstuffs and drinks.

According to residents, the timely intervention of security agencies alongside local vigilantes who rescued one of the kidnap victims helped in reducing the number of casualties.

About five children were kidnapped, while one was rescued after security personnel chased one of the bandits into the bush.

Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Police Command PPRO, ASP Sanusi Abubakar confirmed the incident but maintained that only one person was killed and there was no abduction.

The attack comes a few days following reports that a threat letter was sent to some communities in Sokoto from suspected bandits.

In the letter written in the Hausa language, the said attackers mentioned five communities – Shuni, Kwanar Kimba, Rikina, and Dange, all in Dange/Shuni Local Government Area, causing panic among the residents.

Sokoto is one of the states in the North-West region that has recently come under attack by bandits who kidnap for ransom, rape, steal, and murder people.

Some other states such as Zamfara and Katsina, plagued with similar challenges, have taken up more stringent measures to curb the crime rate such as the shutting down of telecoms services and the closure of some markets and filling stations.

Tambuwal Restricts Movements, Suspends Sale Of Animals In Sokoto

File photo of Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal

Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has invoked an executive order banning motorists from plying Marnona/Issa Road linking the eastern part of the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Isa Bajini, disclosed this via a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that the move followed the rising challenges in the state.

Sokoto is one of the few states in the North-West that is affected by the activities of bandits who kidnap for ransom, rape, steal and attack villages.

But the commissioner said his principal signed the order in exercising the powers conferred on him by Section 176, Subsection (2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

The order, known as Security Challenges (containment) Order, also seeks to suspend the sale of all animals and transportation of cattle in trucks/lorries in 13 local government areas of the state.

It further states that only designated filling stations are allowed to sell petrol and Diesel of not more than ₦5,000 to motorists in the said local council and takes immediate effect.

The affected local governments include Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Ilele, Isa, Kebbe, Sabin Birni, Shagari, Rabah, Tambuwal, Tangaza, Tureta and Wurno.

See the full statement below:

PRESS RELEASE
SOKOTO STATE ON INSECURITY
Due to the prevailing insecurity in the state, occasioned by armed banditry which has led to huge loss of lives and properties, undermining free movement of people, goods and services in the affected areas, the Governor of Sokoto State, Rt Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR, Mutawallen Sokoto has approved an Executive Order in response to the situation.
The Governor is in the exercise of powers conferred upon him by the Subsection (2) of Section 176 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, to issue the order to be known as: Security Challenges (Containment) Order.
The Order takes effect immediately today, September 1, 2021 and directs as follows:
Immediate total closure of Isa Marnona Road to all motorists until further notice. Travelers plying that road are advised to go through the Goronyo-Sabon Birni axis.
Lorries/Trucks or other vehicles carrying firewood from the forests are hereby prohibited;
Suspension of the sale of all animals at the markets of Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Ilela, Isa, Kebbe, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah Tambuwal Tangaza, Tureta and Wurno Local Governments Areas;
Prohibition of transportation of cattle using trucks/lorries in Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Illela, Isa, Kebbe, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah Tambuwal Tangaza, Tureta and Wurno Local Governments Areas;
Prohibition of carrying 3 persons on motorcycles and more than 3 passengers on a tricycle throughout the State;
Prohibition of the sale of second-hand motorcycles at Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Ilela, Isa, Kebbe, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah Tambuwal Tangaza, Tureta, Achida, Gande, Gwadabawa and Wurno Markets;
Prohibition of operation of commercial tricycles and motorcycles from 10:00 pm to 6:00 a.m in the State Capital, and 6:00 p.m 6:00 a.m in Gada Goronyo, Gudu, Gwadabawa, Illela, Isa, Kebbe, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah Tambuwal Tangaz, Tureta and Wurno Local Governments Areas.
Prohibition of the sale of petrol in jerrycans at filling stations.
Only designated Filling stations are allowed to sell petrol and diesel of not more than N5,000.00 to motorists in Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Ilela, Isa, Kebbe, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah, Tambuwal Tangaza, Tureta and Wurno Local Governments Areas
Only authorized essential workers (health personnel, security personnel and Journalists) could use tricycles and motorcycles beyond the banned periods.
The State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal urges the people of Sokoto State to adhere to the provisions of the order, which is passed after wide consultation with all Stakeholders and constituted authorities as well security and law enforcement agencies.
The Government has taken the measure out of the need to introduce additional countervailing measures in the affected areas in order to contain the banditry and mitigate the damages it is causing to social and economic activities and preserve peace;
SIGNED:
Alhaji Isa Bajini,
Hon. Commissioner for Information, Sokoto State

Insecurity: We Are Worried, Things Are Not Getting Better – Sultan Of Sokoto

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has again expressed concern over the level of insecurity in the country, adding that it has worsened.

Speaking at the 3rd Quarter 2021 Meeting of the Intra-Religious Council in Abuja on Thursday, the Sultan said he won’t hesitate in spilling the truth about the state of the nation.

“Things are not getting better. I have said it and will say it again and again until we see that yes; things are getting better,” Sa’ad Abubakar stated.

The Sultan said it is appalling that these days the “unknown gunmen” raid people’s houses and kill mercilessly.

‘Proactive Intelligence’

The monarch wondered how the marauders could remain unknown when the nation has various intelligence agencies.

Although he commended security operatives for their efforts so far, Sa’ad Abubakar said the nation needs “proactive intelligence agencies that will think ahead of anybody, any criminal trying to do something” cynical and disrupt the peace.

The Sultan, who was a military man, explained that proper intelligence gathering will put security operatives a step ahead of the miscreants troubling the nation.

According to him, Nigerians can’t fold their hands while unknown gunmen threaten the nation.

No Sparing

The Sokoto ruler urged the military and the police not to spare any religious leader that comes out to the “public domain to say so many nasty and bad things that would raise tensions higher”.

While admonishing fellow monarchs and religious leaders, the Sultan said “we must always tell the truth even if it is against us or our families.

“We shouldn’t be scared of telling the truth to authorities and that is what we must continue to do”.

He argued that when religious leaders tell the truth, then they can sit at home in peace even as he challenged security agencies to “invite religious leaders who incite violence and interrogate them appropriately.

“All these people calling for such activities must be identified and our security agencies must up their game and take action against them.

“Whether it is a religious leader, ethnic leader or traditional leader, he must be made to face the law, because there is nobody who is above the law,” Sa’ad Abubakar added.

According to him, this step will help in ending the security challenges facing Nigeria.

Afraid of Dialogue?

Speaking on the theme of the meeting, “Making Nigerians Healthy To Achieve Peaceful Society,” the Sultan believes that attaining peace requires honest dialogue.

“We must be honest with ourselves, we cannot come to the council and agree then go back to our various comfort zones and start preaching hatred, and that’s what is happening every day.

“A lot of hate speeches by religious leaders… we are supposed to be very diplomatic.

“I cannot imagine using religion to shed people’s blood,” the monarch said.

He wondered why it is so difficult for the presidency to lead a dialogue involving all leaders, elders and people who can influence the citizens.

“Why are we afraid of talking to one another? What dialogue cannot solve, violence will never solve.”

“There must be a time to rise up and go beyond ethnic and religious sentiments and sit down and talk to one another in the most honest way and tell ourselves the truth.

“What’s really happening in this country is not right and this is how we should go if we really want to have a country.

“The presidency must lead the way, reach out to people, sit down and talk to one another because I have seen the goodwill of the people of this country towards one another.”

Some of the attendees at the meeting were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev Olasupo Ayokunle.

Nine Killed As Bandits Attack Sokoto Villages

Bandits have killed nine persons in an attack on Bejingo, Dantudu, and Tulutu villages in Birjin ward, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

An anonymous source in the local government told Channels Television that the assailants attacked the villages on Saturday, raiding houses.

Eight men and one woman were among those killed by the assailants. Several others were also injured during the incident.

The bandits also rustled an unspecified number of animals including sheep, goats, and cattle, forcing a number of villagers to flee their homes and take refuge with relations in neighbouring communities.

Police authorities in the state are yet to confirm the attack as the Police Public Relations Officer Muhammad Sadiq said he is yet to be briefed on the incident.

The victims have since been buried according to Islamic rites.

Sokoto, a state in Nigeria’s north-western region, has had its fair share of banditry and kidnapping for ransom.

Late last month, bandits killed two people and abducted over 60 travellers along the Sokoto-Gusau highway.

The bandits were wielding sophisticated weapons and blocked the road before kidnapping the passengers.

However, a bus driver and one passenger escaped unhurt.

In May, gunmen also killed 12 people in Illella Amarawa, Illela Local Government Area of the state.

Tag: Sokoto