At least 11 members of a local vigilante group have lost their lives following a deadly confrontation with suspected Lakurawa bandits in the Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The violent encounter, which began on Friday, initially resulted in the deaths of two individuals; however, the death toll significantly increased after the discovery of nine additional bodies in the aftermath of the gun battle.
Local sources indicate that several vigilantes remain unaccounted for, raising concerns that more bodies may be hidden within the Lakurawa forest, where the assailants reportedly fled. A joint search and recovery operation involving soldiers and security operatives from Binji and Racca is currently underway.
An eyewitness recounted, “The confrontation erupted after vigilantes repelled an attempted attack on Magonho community. The bandits, numbering around 40 and riding on 20 motorcycles, were heavily armed. They rustled livestock before retreating into the forest.”
This tragic incident highlights the increasing insecurity in Sokoto and underscores the perilous conditions faced by local self-defence groups in rural areas.
