A fresh wave of violence has struck Sokoto State as armed bandits launched a deadly attack on worshippers in Marnona village, Wurno Local Government Area, resulting in one death and several injuries. The incident occurred during prayers, heightening fears in the already volatile Sokoto East axis.
Eyewitnesses reported that heavily armed assailants stormed the mosque in the early hours, opening fire indiscriminately on worshippers. The attack sent shockwaves through the community, prompting residents to flee for safety amid rising insecurity in the region.
Hon. Isah Sadeeq Achida, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State, condemned the incident as “barbaric and an act of cowardice.” He emphasized that targeting innocent worshippers in a sacred place of prayer reflects a severe moral decline among the attackers.
Achida stated, “This attack is not only an assault on human lives but also on our collective faith and values. The perpetrators must be brought to justice, and we must remain united as a people to overcome this menace.” He assured residents that the state government, in collaboration with security agencies, is working to curtail acts of banditry in Sokoto and its surroundings.
Security sources suggest that the attackers may have come from camps located in dense forests straddling Sokoto and Zamfara states, notorious hideouts for armed groups. The bandits reportedly fled the scene before security operatives arrived.
This incident adds to the growing list of violent occurrences in Sokoto East, an area that has witnessed repeated raids, kidnappings, and killings in recent months. Locals are calling for increased military presence and a more coordinated response to restore peace.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies. Meanwhile, tension remains high in the region as communities brace for possible reprisals or further attacks. Security patrols have been intensified, and local vigilante groups are collaborating with law enforcement to secure vulnerable areas.
