By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Sokoto State Police authorities have said that security has been enhanced and operatives deployed to the troubled Tsamaye community of Sabon Birni Local Council of the state following sustained attacks and arson by terrorist elements.
No fewer than 21 persons were feared killed, and over 37 others kidnapped when the community was invaded by suspected banditry elements between the late hour of Monday and the wee hours of Tuesday.
The attack launched by several gunmen also led to the destruction of several homes, with over one thousand residents displaced.
According to eyewitness accounts, a boat laden with about 25 persons fleeing the attack unfortunately capsized midway.
While seven of the occupants mostly women and children were rescued,18 others are strongly believed to have drowned or unaccounted for.
The victims of the boat mishap, according to locals, were trying to flee to safety after news filtered in that the terrorists were approaching their communities.
As at the time of reporting, family members, relations friends and community volunteers were still searching for missing persons.
According to some of the locals, the attackers themselves informed family members trying to reach out to victims on phone that they have Intercepted 37 persons.
” When we called our relations on phone to know their whereabouts, the bandits answered the call, and informed us that our relations have been kidnapped. They told us they have with them 37 persons”, one of the residents stated.
Residents also informed that the attackers also burnt down some houses, including the ones belonging some to operatives of the community vigilante group.
Reports indicate that following the attack which lasted for several hours, only a little over 20 residents remain in the community as over a thousand others have fled.
According to reports, residents of neighbouring communities of Zango Mallam, Mashaya, Marina, Garin Tudu, Bukka Hamsin, Turkawa, Rumbukawa, Dutsin Na Umma, and others have equally fled their homes out of fear.
While confirming the incident, Chairman of Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Hon Ayuba Hashimu, however, said he could not offer a verified account of the number of casualties and other victims.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto state police Command’s spokesperson, Ahmed Rufai, informed that adequate personnel have been drafted to beef up security, and prevent further attacks in the affected areas.
Details of the attack, he assured, will be provided in due course .
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