Death toll rises in Sokoto attacks, governor says 45 buried

Post created on 12:44 pm

The death toll from the violent attacks on Sunday and Monday in Illela and Goronyo Local Government Areas of Sokoto State has risen to 45, Governor Aminu Tambuwal has said.

On Wednesday, Mr Tambuwal said he was briefed about the gravity of the attacks during a visit to the affected areas.

On Thursday morning, Governor Tambuwal’s spokesperson, Muhammad Bello, told the BBC Hausa Service that residents told the governor during his visit that 45 people were buried after the attacks.

He said dozens others were injured, including a village head. Mr Bello said the injured victims are receiving treatment at health facilities and in their houses.

He said the gunmen raided Illela town and at least seven villages in the suburbs

According to his spokesperson, Mr Tambuwal also condemned the activities of illegal vigilante groups in the areas, warning that the government will not tolerate their lawlessness.

He said the governor, however, commended the security forces and registered volunteer groups complimenting the efforts of the security agencies.

Goronyo and Illela are among council areas where the state government has shut down telecommunications networks and banned weekly markets to curb the activities of bandits.

However, reprisal attacks involving bandits and vigilante groups have intensified in Sokoto.

Bandits have been reported to have established administration in many rural communities in the state, imposing taxes on villagers.