30 feared dead as suspected bandits attack Sokoto market

Some thirty persons are feared dead as suspected bandits attacked a market in Goronyo local government area in the eastern part of Sokoto State on Sunday.

According to locals, the bandits opened fire at the market killing people at random.

Presently, there is yet no definite figure to the casualty but it was gathered several persons sustained gunshot injuries.

Sources in the village said the assailants attacked the market in large numbers shooting sporadically and killing several persons.

Reacting to the attack on Monday, Governor Aminu Tambuwal said about 30 people were feared dead in Goronyo township, the headquarters of Goronyo local government area.

He disclosed this when the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya paid him a courtesy visit.

“Between last night, yesterday evening till this morning, we were greeted with a very dastardly attack in Goronyo local government, particularly Goronyo Township, where scores and tens have lost their lives and still counting. We’re not sure of the figure. But it is 30 something,” he said.

The governor noted that the army chief has “come at a very trying moment for the army and the Nigerian nation.

“We’re faced and bedevilled by many security challenges in our own area here, particularly banditry, kidnapping and other associated crimes,” he added.

He called for synergy between the army and other security operatives in the state while requesting for the presence of more forces in the state and the deployment of more resources.

Tambuwal also pledged that his administration will continue to support the army and other security operatives.

The latest attack is the third time in two weeks bandits have attacked a village market in Sokoto State.

Earlier this month, 20 persons were killed at Ungwan Lalle market in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of the state.

Bandits fleeing the military operation in Zamfara have set up camps in the Sabon Birni district from where they raid villages, prompting authorities in Sokoto to suspend weekly markets and shut down telecom towers in areas on the border with Zamfara, including Sabon Birni.

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