Bandits Kill Imam, Three Others, Abduct 12 Residents In Fresh Sokoto Attack.

Suspected bandits have killed an imam and three other residents while abducting 12 people during a late-night attack on Illela Dawagware village in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

According to residents, the attackers stormed the community at about 12:20 a.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2026, riding on approximately nine motorcycles. The assailants, estimated to be around 30 in number, reportedly operated for about 30 minutes, firing sporadically as they carried out the attack.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said villagers attempted to resist the attackers but were overwhelmed by their superior firepower.

The source said the gunmen first invaded the residence of the village imam, killing him and three other residents before moving from house to house and abducting 12 people.

"They killed our imam, his neighbour and another resident before abducting 12 people, including eight women and four men," the resident told Daily Trust.

He added that one of the deceased, identified as Awwalu, also lost his wife and two biological brothers to abduction during the attack.

The victims killed were identified as Mallam Liman Lawwali Na Ande, Lawwali Na Lami, and Abdullahi Haruna, while those abducted include Amiru, Hauwa, Awwalu, and nine others.

Another resident, Alhaji Samaila, reportedly sustained a gunshot injury that fractured his hand and is currently receiving treatment at a health facility in Sokoto.

Residents also accused security operatives of failing to respond to distress calls made during the attack.

"We contacted security personnel in Goronyo and even offered to provide money for fuel so they could come, but they did not respond," the resident alleged.

Community members said the latest incident marks the 24th attack on Illela Dawagware village in recent years.

"They attacked us two years ago and killed seven members of the same family inside a mosque. Since then, we had not experienced another assault until now. Ironically, some displaced residents had only returned to the village last Sunday after spending nearly two years away," the source said.

Another resident who attended the burial of the imam said fear has once again gripped the community, with many villagers deciding to spend their nights at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Goronyo over concerns of another attack.

The affected residents appealed to the federal and Sokoto State governments, as well as security agencies, to strengthen security in the area and put an end to the recurring attacks.