Residents of Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Friday staged a peaceful protest, blocking the Bodinga–Sokoto highway to demand immediate government intervention following renewed bandit attacks on several communities in the area.
The protest comes amid reports of fresh attacks that allegedly claimed lives, displaced families, and left several residents missing.
Security and conflict journalist Bakatsine disclosed the development in a post on X, stating that the protesters accused authorities of failing to adequately protect communities from persistent bandit attacks.
According to him, the latest wave of violence has forced many residents to flee their homes, while several families have been separated during the attacks, with some still searching for missing loved ones.
“UPDATE: A protest is ongoing in Bodinga, where residents have blocked the major road in the LGA (Bodinga–Sokoto road) to demand urgent government intervention following renewed bandit attacks on villages in the area,” Bakatsine wrote.
He added that residents said the attacks had resulted in deaths, mass displacement, and the separation of families.
Earlier, the journalist shared footage showing residents fleeing their communities on foot after armed bandits reportedly invaded several villages.
Local sources identified the affected communities as Danchadi, Dabagi, Karaje, and Taƙule, where the attackers allegedly forced residents to abandon their homes. One displaced woman reportedly claimed that her husband was killed during the assault.
Bakatsine further reported that residents of Zango, Biri, Illela, Taƙule, Horo, Danbaro, and other neighbouring communities have also fled their villages over fears of further attacks.
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 protest.
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