Fear has gripped the Nigeria–Niger border communities in Sokoto State after suspected Lakurawa bandits launched a violent raid on a cattle range near Tangaza, leaving one person dead and another fighting for their life.
The news of the late-night assault was first shared on X by Zagazola Makama, a well-known security analyst and counter-insurgency expert specializing in the Lake Chad region.
According to Makama, the chaos erupted on February 20 around 9:15 pm when a large, heavily armed gang stormed the outskirts of the town, raining bullets on unsuspecting residents.
As the gunfire echoed, the Army Forward Operating Base and local security units were quickly scrambled to the scene to confront the threat.
Upon arrival, security forces confirmed the tragic death of 30-year-old Yahaya Al-Hassan, who was killed in the crossfire, while Bello Muhammad was found with a serious gunshot wound to his left leg.
Witnesses described a scene of desperation as the gunmen managed to rustle a large, though currently unknown, number of livestock before disappearing into the thick cover of the nearby forest.
Local responders worked quickly to bring both the deceased and the wounded survivor to the General Hospital in Tangaza for medical care and formal procedures.
In the wake of the violence, security forces are not backing down. “Efforts are being intensified to apprehend the assailants and recover the stolen livestock.
“Confidence-building patrols by joint security teams are ongoing in the area to reassure residents and prevent further attacks,” a source said.