Fear gripped communities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Wednesday after suspected bandits reportedly abducted more than 20 travellers and farmers along the road leading to the area’s popular weekly market.
Information obtained by BusinessDay indicated that heavily armed riding on several motorcycles, allegedly struck around 10 a.m., opening fire sporadically and forcing commuters and residents to flee before seizing dozens of victims.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen blocked the major access route to the market from different directions, targeting traders travelling for business as well as farmers working on nearby farmlands.
A resident, who requested anonymity, said the assailants advanced on motorcycles before launching the attack.
“We saw them approaching on motorcycles before they started shooting. People heading to the market ran in different directions, but many were captured, including women working on nearby farms,” the witness said.
