Gunmen kill three, kidnap residents in Sokoto

At least three people have been killed by gunmen in an attack on the Yartsakuwa community in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The attackers also took away some residents and stole livestock during the incident.

The attack happened early on Sunday, according to the Sokoto State Police Command.

Ahmed Rufai, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the news. He shared details in a WhatsApp chat with our reporter, saying three people were killed and some residents were taken away. Livestock were also stolen.

"Yes, three killed and also some persons kidnapped and animals rustled," Rufai said.

A security source also confirmed that the gunmen invaded the community and shot three people dead. They also took away an unknown number of residents.

The source added that the attackers stole several livestock during the raid.

Meanwhile, a survivor named Najeeb Yartsakuwa raised the alarm on Facebook. He claimed that four people were killed in the attack, including three men and one woman.

He also stated that the attackers broke into their family house and kidnapped his biological sister, four sisters-in-law, and other women from the community.

The survivor said the exact number of those abducted is still unknown. He expressed sadness over the attack and asked for prayers for the safe return of those taken. He also prayed for the souls of the deceased and for quick recovery for the injured.

The police have confirmed that three people died, which differs from the four deaths reported by the survivor.

This attack adds to the rising security worries in Sokoto, where armed groups continue to threaten rural areas with killings, kidnappings, and livestock theft.