Bandit Attacks Trigger Highway Protest in Sokoto

Angry residents of Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Friday, July 3, 2026, blocked a major highway to protest renewed bandit attacks that have left several communities devastated, with reports of killings, abductions and mass displacement.

The protesters barricaded the Bodinga–Sokoto Highway, a major route linking Sokoto with neighbouring Kebbi and Niger states, bringing traffic to a standstill for several hours as they demanded urgent intervention from the government and security agencies.

The demonstration followed coordinated attacks by suspected bandits on Thursday, July 2, in several communities, including Qyaula, Keloji, Chohi Takule, Kulodo and Kwamtsi, where residents said the attackers killed several people, abducted others and forced many families to flee their homes.

Eyewitnesses said the assailants invaded the affected villages at about 2:00 p.m. on Thursday and operated until the early hours of Friday before security operatives responded.

During the protest, residents reportedly used burning tyres and logs to block the highway, leaving motorists stranded and disrupting movement along the busy road.

A bus belonging to the Kebbi State Transport Authority was also vandalised before security personnel restored order.

One resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, appealed for immediate government intervention.

“We are appealing to the government to act urgently before more innocent lives are lost.”

“Entire communities have been uprooted by these attacks.”

“Families are now taking refuge in schools and public facilities after fleeing their homes,” the resident said.

Another displaced resident from Qyaula community described the attack as terrifying.

“They came shooting in all directions.”

“We had no option but to run for our lives.”

“Some people were killed while others were taken away.”

“The situation was terrifying,” the resident said.

Another resident said many people remain missing following the attacks.

“They operated for several hours.”

” Many residents escaped to neighbouring villages while others remain unaccounted for.”

“The attacks have left many families devastated,” the resident said.

Following the protest, government officials and security chiefs visited the affected communities to assess the situation and reassure residents of improved security.

Nasiru Bobo described the attacks as “tragic and unacceptable” and assured residents that additional security personnel had been deployed to restore peace and protect lives and property.

The spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, Ahmad Rufai, confirmed the attacks and said security operatives carried out intensive operations from Thursday afternoon until about 3:00 a.m. on Friday.

Rufai said reinforcements had been deployed to the affected communities, while the blocked highway had been reopened and efforts were ongoing to restore normalcy.

The latest violence has heightened concerns over the persistent insecurity in parts of Sokoto State, where residents continue to call for stronger security measures to end recurring attacks on rural communities.