Conflicting Figures Trail Sokoto Bandit Attack As Tofa Community Counts Dead, Missing

Conflicting casualty figures have trailed Monday night’s bandit attack on Tofa community in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State, with one account reporting at least 10 people killed and dozens abducted, and another putting the toll at seven dead and 12 taken away.

Daily Post reported that at least 10 residents were killed after the attackers invaded the community at night, citing a post by security analyst Bakatsine on X. That account said local sources estimated that between 38 and 40 people may have been abducted, with the exact number still being verified, and that the bandits also rustled livestock and looted property before leaving.

Daily Trust, citing a security source, reported a lower toll: seven people killed, including two women, and 12 others abducted after an attack that started around 1am and lasted about four hours. The outlet named those killed as Malam Muhammadu, Danbakanike, Musa Dan Agaji, Masaudu Basiru, Buba Biti, Yar Kuluwa Basiru and Jamila Umma, and listed 11 names of people abducted, adding that the bandits released 10 other victims on their way back to their hideout.

Daily Trust also reported a separate abduction during the attack, identifying one Sani Gayya, also known as Magatakarda Saburu, as kidnapped while working on his farm in the nearby Saburu village.

The differing accounts have left the full picture unclear as residents and officials continue to count the cost. The attack adds to recent violence in Sokoto State, where bandits killed five people in an attack on Girkau community in Kebbe Local Government Area in a raid reported here.

Sources: Daily Post, Daily Trust