Bandits kill over 30 people for refusing to pay levy in Sokoto

Suspected bandits reportedly attacked three communities in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing over 30 residents and injuring several others.

The bandits attacked three communities within the local government area of Raka, Raka Dutse, and Filingawa on Saturday evening.

The former council chairman of the affected area, Bashar Kalenjeni, while confirming the attacks, said 18 people were killed at Raka, 17 at Filingawa, and two at Raka Dutse.

Kalenjeni also stated that several of the deceased had not been buried as the bandits dispersed community members who attempted to conduct the burial rites.

According to him, the attacks may be related to community members’ refusal to pay bandit levies imposed on their communities.

“The bandits imposed levies on their communities and meant to take charge and dictate to residents what and what not to do,” Kalenjeni said.

“But the villagers refused to succumb, and because of that, they attacked them, killing 37 persons, while several others sustained various degrees of gunshot injuries and are currently receiving treatment in General Hospital Gwadabawa.”

He added that several other people were unaccounted for as the area is still unsafe for fleeing residents to return.