Gunmen attack Sokoto, 28 killed, many abducted, fleeing villagers drowned

Twenty-eight persons have been killed at Duma, Sokoto State, during an attack on the community by gunmen.

Some residents were also reportedly kidnapped during the attack.

The Sokoto State Government confirmed the number of casualties on Friday.

The attack was said to have occurred on Wednesday night, when terrorists invaded the community and rustled livestock.

A resident, identified as Garba Mailambu, told NAN that the gunmen rode on motorcycles and were firing sporadically, adding that some fleeing residents drowned as they dived into a nearby river.

Another resident said the bandits forced the abducted persons, which included mostly youths, to lead the rustled livestock out of town.

The gunmen also reportedly demanded large quantities of petrol as ransom to release the abducted persons.

The Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, paid a visit to the community on Friday.

Tambuwal, who led a team of security officers and other government officials, observed Juma’at prayers in the community, while special prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the victims.