*’Fresh attacks expose Muslim communities as major victims of bandit violence
The twin attacks are yet another stark reminder that these criminal groups do not represent Islam. Instead, they continue to target and kill innocent Muslims, many of whom have become some of the greatest victims of the country’s persistent insecurity.
Fresh waves of violence have plunged many Muslim communities in northern Nigeria into grief and fear after armed bandits launched separate attacks on a mosque in Sokoto State and a Shari’ah court in Katsina State within 24 hours.
The incidents, which claimed innocent lives, forced families to flee, and disrupted the administration of justice, underscore the growing insecurity confronting ordinary Muslims who continue to bear the devastating consequences of criminal violence.
The bloodshed began on Tuesday night in Tsamaye village, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where bandits stormed the community at about 8:30 p.m. and reportedly remained there until around 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, unleashing hours of terror on residents.
According to eyewitnesses who spoke with Daily Trust, the attackers first surrounded security operatives stationed in the village and opened fire, effectively preventing them from responding to distress calls. While the security personnel were pinned down, other members of the armed group moved from house to house, looting property, rustling livestock and abducting residents.
One of the most heartbreaking moments of the attack occurred inside a mosque, where worshippers who had gathered after the Isha prayer came under attack. At least three people were killed inside the mosque. Residents later recovered a total of seven bodies after the attackers fled.
Witnesses said many of the victims were displaced persons who had earlier escaped violence in neighbouring communities and had sought refuge in Tsamaye, only to lose their lives in yet another attack.
The assailants also reportedly set a vehicle ablaze, burned two shops and carted away an unspecified number of livestock. Although the exact number of abducted residents had yet to be determined, locals confirmed that at least three kidnappings were verified after relatives contacted the victims’ phone numbers and the abductors answered, confirming they were in captivity.
A resident praised the efforts of the security personnel stationed in the village, saying they had consistently protected the community and neighbouring villages but were overwhelmed after being caught by surprise during the latest assault.
The spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, confirmed that the command was aware of the incident but said comprehensive details were still being compiled.
In Katsina
Barely hours after the Sokoto attack, another frightening incident unfolded in Gwarjo village, Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, where suspected bandits invaded a Shari’ah court during proceedings.
The armed men reportedly stormed the court premises around midday on Wednesday, firing sporadically and demanding to know the whereabouts of the presiding judge, Mohammed Muktar.
Residents said the judge noticed the approaching gunmen before they entered the courtroom and managed to escape through a window moments before they arrived. A commercial motorcyclist reportedly helped him flee to safety.
Eyewitnesses told Daily Trust that the attackers entered the courtroom, continued shooting and searched for the judge. After discovering he had escaped, they allegedly threatened to kill him if he returned to preside over court sessions in the community.
The attack has heightened fears among residents of Gwarjo, a community that has repeatedly experienced violent attacks by armed bandits.
Attempts to obtain comments from the Katsina State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages sent to the police spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, were not answered.
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