Suspected terrorists launched separate overnight assaults on communities in Zamfara and Sokoto states, leaving soldiers and civilians dead, dozens abducted, and properties destroyed in another wave of violence across Nigeria’s North-West. The Zamfara Sokoto attacks reportedly occurred late Saturday, targeting Kasuwar Daji in Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State and Lajinge village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Residents said heavily armed attackers stormed Kasuwar Daji at about 11:30 p.m., launching an assault on a military outpost before moving into the community.
Local sources claimed at least six soldiers lost their lives during the confrontation, while more than 70 residents were abducted and taken into nearby forests. Witnesses also alleged that the attackers looted shops, carting away food items, beverages, and other valuables before fleeing. A resident, identified as Alhaji Aminu Kasuwar Daji, appealed for urgent intervention from both the federal and Zamfara State governments, expressing concern over the worsening security situation.
Former Deputy Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Namadi Kasuwar Daji, also confirmed that the community was attacked, saying relatives informed him that several residents were kidnapped after the assailants overpowered security personnel. The spokesperson of the Zamfara State Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said he had not yet received details of the incident but promised to verify the report.
In neighbouring Sokoto State, residents said suspected terrorists attacked Lajinge village around 11:00 p.m., with the assault lasting until approximately 3:30 a.m. without reported security intervention. Community members said at least 12 people were killed during the attack. Eleven reportedly died from gunshot wounds, while another victim allegedly died after suffering severe shock.
One of the most tragic incidents occurred when a father, Mallam Wauro (also known as Mallam Roro), his two sons Ukasha and Mujaheed, alongside three others, were reportedly trapped inside a building where they sought refuge. According to residents, the attackers surrounded the house, poured petrol on it, and set it ablaze after those inside refused to come out. Witnesses said another resident, Lawwali, was shot while attempting to flee, while additional victims included other villagers and internally displaced persons sheltering in the community.
Residents also alleged that the attackers looted livestock, including cattle and sheep, while abducting several villagers. Two wives of the late Mallam Wauro were reportedly among those taken away. Although the exact number of abducted persons remains unclear, villagers said some children were later released by the attackers. Local vigilante members said they attempted to defend the village but were overwhelmed by the heavily armed gunmen, who reportedly moved freely through the community for several hours.
Community members expressed frustration over what they described as the absence of security reinforcement despite repeated distress calls throughout the attack.
They claimed security personnel stationed in nearby Unguwar Lalle and Dan Tudu, about two kilometres away, did not respond before the attackers left. Residents also disclosed that eight people had been killed in the area only weeks earlier, renewing calls for a permanent security presence to protect vulnerable communities.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Sokoto State, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said he was not immediately aware of the incident and would verify the reports upon arriving at his office. The latest Zamfara Sokoto attacks add to growing concerns over persistent insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria, where communities continue to face repeated assaults, kidnappings, and loss of lives despite ongoing security operations.
