On Wednesday night, non-religious terrorists riding on motorbikes launched attacks on several villages, including Garki, Dan Aduwa, Kuzari, Katuma and Masawa, near the town of Sabon Birnin Gobir.
Several reports indicate that at least 60 people were killed in the attacks that lasted several hours.
The Governor of Sokoto State, Malam Aminu Tambuwal, in a condolence message on Thursday confirmed the attacks, stating that many citizens were killed by the terrorists.
Although he did not state the number of casualties, the governor expressed shock over the killings.
He said, “This development is most discomforting considering the fact that myself and the entire security architecture of the state had on Tuesday visited the area and had fruitful discussions with the traditional leaders and other stakeholders on how to nip these unfortunate incidents in the bud.
“Nonetheless, under my watch, no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are brought to book.”
Tambuwal said the state government was working closely with the Federal Government and the security apparatus in the state to find more ways and means to halt the attacks.
He said, “As we work concertedly to tackle this problem, I commiserate and console, once again, the resilient and peace-loving people of Sabon Birni and environs.
“These losses of lives and destruction of property are not yours alone but those of the entire people of the state.”
Early in May, the Presidency announced a plan to launch “Operation Accord” to flush out the criminals from the contiguous states of Kaduna, Niger, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and parts of Kebbi.
Ibrahim Gobir, the member representing Sokoto East Senatorial District, seconded a motion moved by the Deputy Chief Whip, Sabi Abdullahi, on the order given by the President Muhammadu Buhari to the Nigerian military to flush out bandits from the states.
Gobir said, “At least 300 people have either been killed or kidnapped in the last three months while over 5,780 cows valued at N2.5 billion have been stolen.
“At the moment, Nigerians in Sokoto East are relocating to Niger Republic because they are no longer safe in Nigeria.”
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