Residents of Bodinga Local Government Area in Sokoto State on Friday took to the streets, blocking the Bodinga–Sokoto highway to demand urgent government intervention following renewed bandit attacks in several communities.
The protest was triggered by reports of fresh assaults that allegedly left several people dead, displaced families, and forced others to flee their homes, with some residents still declared missing.
Residents Accuse Authorities Of Inaction
Journalist and conflict reporter, Bakatsine, disclosed the development in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that protesters accused authorities of failing to adequately protect affected communities.
According to him, the violence has led to widespread displacement, with families separated and many still searching for missing relatives.
“UPDATE: A protest is ongoing in Bodinga, where residents have blocked the major road in the LGA (Bodinga–Sokoto way) to demand urgent government intervention following renewed bandit attacks on villages in the area,” he wrote.
He added that residents said the attacks had resulted in deaths and mass displacement across affected communities.
Villages Affected, Residents Displaced
Bakatsine also shared reports indicating that armed bandits invaded villages such as Danchadi, Dabagi, Karaje, and Taƙule, forcing residents to abandon their homes.
A displaced woman was quoted as saying her husband was killed during the attack, while others fled into surrounding areas for safety.
Further reports indicated that residents of neighbouring communities including Zango, Biri, Illela, Taƙule, Horo, and Danbaro had also deserted their homes due to fear of further attacks.
Government Yet To Respond
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Sokoto State Government nor security agencies had issued an official statement regarding the reported attacks or the ongoing protest.
The situation has heightened concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria, where rural communities continue to face repeated bandit raids.