Residents of Unguwar Lalle community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State have fled their homes in large numbers following renewed attacks by suspected bandits, with many accusing the government of failing to provide adequate security.
The mass displacement involved hundreds of women, children and elderly residents who abandoned their homes with only a few personal belongings and livestock, saying persistent insecurity had made life in the community unbearable.
A video circulating online showed displaced villagers trekking in groups while others travelled on motorcycles carrying relatives and household items.
Some residents were also seen leading goats, cows and donkeys across difficult terrain towards a river, where canoes transported them to safer areas.
The footage captured families leaving behind their homes and possessions amid fears of further attacks.
Speaking in Hausa in the video, one of the displaced residents expressed frustration over what he described as the government’s failure to protect the community.
“We have gone beyond the point where we have any security. There is no security for us anymore. We swear that wherever we go, hunger is all we face despite all our efforts. Whatever Allah has destined for us is what we eat. By Allah, even if all we have is maize, we will eat it. But the biggest problem facing our people is insecurity. It pains me deeply,” he said.
The resident further described the conditions faced by the people, accusing authorities of neglecting the community despite their suffering.
“This is our suffering. This is how we have been living. Even when we think there is peace, the government abandons us. The government has betrayed us. I have nothing to say except that Allah is sufficient for us against them.”
He said insecurity had devastated Unguwar Lalle, forcing many residents to abandon their homes.
”Unguwar Lalle has been completely destroyed. We have been betrayed. We have been betrayed. They have left us with hardship, hunger, and insecurity. We no longer have peace or protection.
“We have supported this government, yet it has failed us. May Allah judge them. We have been abandoned. While you people are there sleeping peacefully and looking after your families and children, here we are suffering. We are struggling to survive. We have no one to help us. Only Allah is enough for us.”
The resident also alleged that authorities had repeatedly failed to respond despite recurring attacks and killings in the area.
“This government has oppressed us and treated us unjustly. We have suffered terribly. People have died like this, yet they refused to act. They refused to take action.
“As for me, I have nowhere else to go. Where can I settle now? We have truly been betrayed. This government has betrayed us. May Allah remove His blessings from any government that oppresses people. We have been wronged. May Allah reward us and judge those who have wronged us.”
Appealing for urgent intervention, he said the humanitarian situation in the community had become critical.
“Unguwar Lalle has been wiped out. Even around Sabon Birni and the surrounding villages, people have fled. We are wandering from place to place. Please, for Allah’s sake, come and see what has happened to us. Please help us. Look at our condition.
“Our people are suffering. Please have mercy on us. The government has abandoned us and betrayed us. If this is Allah’s will, Alhamdulillah, but the government has failed us. May Allah judge the government for abandoning us.
“The government has betrayed us. It has betrayed us completely. Everyone can see it. May Allah judge the government for what it has done.”
Another displaced resident also criticised the authorities, saying supporters of the government had been left to endure hardship.
“May Allah reward us. This government that claims to stand for justice has oppressed us. We worked for them, yet it abandoned us. May Allah judge them.
“Yes, we are from Sabon Birni and the surrounding communities. May Allah judge those responsible and our authorities. We have suffered enough.”
The latest wave of displacement underscores the worsening security situation in parts of Sokoto State, where armed groups have continued to target rural communities, forcing residents to abandon their homes, farms and other means of livelihood.
The displaced villagers called on the Federal Government, the Sokoto State Government and security agencies to urgently restore peace to Sabon Birni and neighbouring communities, saying they could no longer cope with the persistent attacks, hunger and displacement.
