Several bandits are feared dead after security forces foiled an attack on Sifawa town in Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Wednesday.
The attackers reportedly stormed the community at about 10am, engaging soldiers and police personnel stationed in the area in a prolonged gun battle.
A resident familiar with the incident said the bandits came from Horo village in neighbouring Shagari Local Government Area and attempted to overrun the military barracks in Sifawa.
The resident said security personnel eventually forced the attackers to retreat after several hours of fighting.
“Two soldiers were injured and evacuated to the hospital for treatment. We believe several of the bandits were killed during the encounter, while others fled through the millet farms,” the resident said.
Dr Abubakar Boyi, President of the Sifawa Development Forum, confirmed the attack and said the presence of livestock belonging to residents displaced by banditry in Shagari may have drawn the attackers to the town.
“There are a lot of livestock brought to Sifawa by villagers who were displaced by bandits in Shagari,” Boyi said.
However, a security source said the military barracks was the primary target.
“They wanted to overrun the barracks but were overpowered. Two soldiers were injured and taken to the hospital for treatment,” the source said.
The source added that military aircraft had begun operations over surrounding bushes where the fleeing bandits were believed to have taken refuge.
“Air strikes are currently ongoing in the bushes where the bandits fled. I am sure several of them have been killed. After the operation, we will conduct a mop-up operation,” the source said.
The attack also disrupted movement along the Sifawa-Birnin Kebbi road, leaving motorists stranded for hours as security personnel responded to the incident.
A motorist identified as Jamilu said he and other travellers were forced to abandon the route after the road was temporarily blocked amid heavy gunfire.
“We were stranded at Yabo Junction for hours as the road leading to Kebbi was blocked. We were scared because of the sounds of gunshots that rented the air, so we had to change our route,” he said.
Sifawa is the hometown of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya (retd.), and Sokoto State Secretary to the Government, Bello Sifawa.
As of the time of filing, authorities had not officially confirmed the number of casualties among the attackers or security personnel.
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