Bandits have attacked a village’s market in Sokoto, killing 19 traders, in what appears like a reprisal attack.
The attack came barely a day after some vigilantes (Yan Sakai) went to Mamande market in Gwadabawa local government area of the state and killed 11 Fulani men, including a local imam.
The bandits were said to have came from Gundumi forest on motorcycles.
They surrounded the popular Unguwan Lalle market along Sabon Birni-Goronyo road and massacred 19 traders while several others were injured.
21st CENTURY CHRONICLE reports that many of the traders were still missing but our reporter could not ascertain whether they were kidnapped or not.
The former chairman of Sabon Birni local government, Alhaji Idris Muhammad Gobir, who confirmed the attack to our reporter said the incident took place around 3pm on Friday.
He said 19 traders were killed while over 30 others who were injured were taken to the hospital for treatment.
The Commissioner for Security and Carriers, retired Colonel Garba Moyi, however, blamed the traders for the attack because they have violated the executive order banning rural market.
The spokesperson of the Sokoto Police Command, ASP Sanusi Abubakar, could not be reached for comment.
