Latest attack marks three Chief Imams killed in Sokoto in recent weeks

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The Chief Imam of Talluje village and two other residents have reportedly been killed during an attack at Talluje and neighbouring Chofi on Wednesday in Sokoto State.

The attack began at about 4:00 p.m. and lasted for nearly two hours. The two villages, located in Danchadi District of Bodinga Local Government Area, were reportedly attacked at the same time by armed men.

The latest incident marks the third Chief Imam reportedly killed by bandits in Sokoto State within the past few weeks, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in the state.

According to residents, the bandits stormed both communities on motorcycles, shooting indiscriminately and later fled with an unspecified number of  livestock.

Community leader in Danchadi confirmed that the Chief Imam of Talluje and two other people lost their lives during the attack, while the identities of the other victims were yet to be confirmed.

The attack also triggered a mass displacement, with many residents, especially women and children, fleeing on foot to safer communities in Danchadi and Bodinga.

A senior police officer confirmed the attack and the killing of the Chief Imam. He said the police had deployed the anti-kidnapping unit to the area following fears that the bandits could return.

Residents said the attackers entered the communities through Duma, a village bordering Tureta Local Government Area.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said he had not yet received a briefing on the incident but promised to verify the report and provide an update.

Source: Daily Trust