At least 12 people were killed and several women and children abducted after heavily armed bandits attacked Lajinge village in Nigeria’s northwestern Sokoto State late Saturday night. According to residents, the attackers stormed the community around 11:00 p.m. and continued the assault until about 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, setting houses ablaze, rustling livestock and leaving at least four people injured. Six members of the same family were reportedly burned to death after gunmen set their home on fire.
Residents said the assailants also abducted women and children before fleeing with stolen livestock. Police confirmed that an investigation is underway, with Sokoto State Police spokesperson Ahmed Rufai saying further updates would be provided. The latest attack comes just a week after bandits killed at least 24 farmers in neighbouring Zamfara State, underscoring the persistent insecurity across northwestern Nigeria, where armed gangs frequently raid villages, kidnap residents for ransom and steal cattle.
