At least 18 people were killed, and 12 others were abducted in separate attacks on communities in Adamawa and Sokoto states as violence erupted in the early hours of Monday. Suspected Boko Haram insurgents and armed bandits targeted residents, leaving devastation in their wake.
In Adamawa State, suspected Boko Haram militants invaded Zaranga village in the Gombi Local Government Area, killing 11 people, shooting indiscriminately, and setting homes on fire. The assault forced many residents to flee into nearby forests, with several still unaccounted for.
A local resident, speaking anonymously to The Punch, confirmed that 11 bodies had been recovered, while search teams and security personnel continued to look for the missing.
Another villager reported losing his wife and two other family members in the attack. The full extent of property damage remains unclear, and attempts to reach the Adamawa State Police for official comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
In Sokoto State, armed bandits struck Tofa village in Rabah Local Government Area around 1 a.m. on Monday, killing at least seven people—including two women—and abducting 12 others.
The attackers, who operated for approximately four hours, also reportedly rustled livestock. The deceased were named as Malam Muhammadu, Danbakanike, Musa Dan Agaji, Masaudu Basiru, Buba Biti, Yar Kuluwa Basiru, and Jamila Umma.
The abducted victims were identified as Shafiu Bello, Bilyaminu Abubakar, Saifullahi Buhari, Hauwau Zayyanu, Saratu Ibrahim, Safiyya Nasi, Zulaiha Aminu, Bilya Abu, Farida Lawali, Yar Kadan Aminu, Kulu Amadu, and one other.
The bandits later released 10 hostages while retreating, but also kidnapped two additional individuals in separate incidents, including Sani Gayya (also known as Magatakarda Saburu), who was abducted while working on his farm in Saburu village.
The attacks have intensified security concerns in both states, with search operations ongoing in Adamawa for missing persons and continued uncertainty over the fate of the abducted in Sokoto.
These incidents highlight the persistent threat faced by rural communities from insurgents and bandits, especially during vulnerable nighttime and early morning hours.
