Panic struck Kalanjeni village in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Wednesday evening as armed bandits launched a terrifying attack, narrowly missing the local government chairman, Hon. Isah Harisu Kalanjeni. The chairman, a former two-term member of the National Assembly, had left his home just moments before the assailants arrived. Eyewitnesses reported that more than 30 gunmen on motorcycles rode into the village, firing into the air and sending residents running for their lives.
One resident recalled the chaos, describing the scene as “like a movie” as the bandits stormed the area. “They came on more than 30 motorcycles, shooting into the air,” he said, choosing to remain anonymous due to security concerns. “We thank God the chairman left earlier; otherwise, he would have been taken.”
Sources close to the chairman revealed that his departure was unexpected and unplanned, a fortunate turn of events that likely spared him from harm. His current whereabouts are kept confidential for safety reasons.
Kalanjeni, located about 40 kilometers from Sokoto city, is among the regions severely affected by increasing insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and arson. Following the failed attempt to target the chairman, the bandits turned their aggression on the villagers, stealing livestock and vandalizing homes. Local herder Mallam Abdullahi expressed his frustration, saying, “They carted away our cows and goats. We are left with nothing.”
Despite multiple distress calls, security forces reportedly arrived only after the damage had been done. Villagers voiced their anger over the lack of timely government response, with a youth leader questioning, “We keep reporting, but nothing is done until it’s too late. Are we not citizens?”
This attack has renewed concerns over the rising insecurity in Sokoto’s rural areas. Local leaders and civil society groups are urging both state and federal governments to take immediate action and declare a state of emergency in the affected regions.
The spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, ASP Ahmad Rufa’i, confirmed the attack but provided few details. “Our men and the Army have been deployed to the area. After a heavy exchange of fire, the bandits retreated and abandoned most of the rustled animals. Investigation is ongoing,” he stated.
As the situation in Kalanjeni remains tense, many families have fled to neighboring villages. Local mosques and schools have opened their doors to displaced families, and residents have begun organizing informal night patrols to prevent future attacks.
“We are tired. We want peace. We want to live,” an elderly woman lamented, tears streaming down her face.
