In Sokoto State, Bandits Attack Convoy of Hajj-Bound Muslims

In Sokoto State, Bandits Attack Convoy of Hajj-Bound Muslims

  • Some suspected bandits have reportedly attacked some intending Muslim pilgrims for the 2022 Hajj
  • According to reports, the Hajj-bound pilgrims were attacked along Gundumi forest while on their way to Sokoto town
  • However, it was gathered that the security escorts of the intending pilgrim's convey repelled the attack

Sokoto, Isa - Emerging reports have confirmed that some suspected bandits attacked the convoy of Hajj-bound Muslims who were coming to Sokoto from Isa Local Government Area, Daily Trust newspaper reported.

As gathered by Legit.ng, the intending pilgrims were slated to jet off to Saudi Arabia today, Tuesday, June 21 by 7:30 am.

Bandit, Sokoto State, Pilgrim
The intending pilgrim has been slated to leave for Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, June 21 before the bandit attack on Monday, June 20. Photo: NAHCON
Source: Twitter

Residents recount incident

Residents of the area recounted that the bandits attacked the convoy along Gundumi forest. However, security escorts were able to intercept the attack.

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A witness, Malam Sirajo while confirming the incident stated that the Hajj-bound pilgrims were unhurt as they were able to escape while some of them were brought back to the palace of Sarkin Gobir Isa.

He said:

“They attacked their convoy, which was being escorted by security operatives who were said to have engaged the bandits for some minutes.
“We learnt that some of the operatives sustained injuries, which I cannot verify."

Sokoto state govt confirms incident

Also confirming the incident, the permanent secretary of the Sokoto scholarship board, Shehu Muhammad Dange.

When asked if there were any case of abduction he stated that he was not sure whether there was any case of abduction.

He said:

“We have 21 intending pilgrims from Isa. But we are yet to ascertain their condition."

However, the Sokoto State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement on the incident as the command spokesperson, ASP Ahmad Rufa’i said he was not aware of the incident.

Read also

Kaduna: 36 persons reportedly kidnapped in fresh bandit attack

Kaduna: 36 persons reportedly kidnapped in fresh bandit attack

In another report, at least 36 persons were abducted in a Kaduna community during an invasion by the bandits on Sunday, June 19.

Residents of the community recounted that there was also an invasion of a church by the bandits where three church worshippers were gruesomely killed.

Kaduna state commissioner for internal security and home affairs, Samuel Aruwan has visited the affected communities after a fresh bandit attack.

Kaduna train attack: Freed victims mentally unstable, families raise alarm, seek FG’s intervention

In another development, aggrieved families of the 70 passengers kidnapped by suspected bandits in an attack on the Abuja-Kaduna bound train on Monday, March 28 have raised alarm over the mental health of the freed victims.

In an interview, the chairman of the victims' families have called on the federal to see to the release of the other passengers in the kidnappers den.

Dr Abdulfatah Jimoh disclosed the remaining victims are not in good condition as they are seriously disturbed in the forest.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Segun Adeyemi avatar

Segun Adeyemi (Current Affairs and Politics Editor) Segun Adeyemi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience as an active field reporter, editor, and editorial manager. He has had stints with Daily Trust newspaper, Daily Nigerian, and News Digest. He currently works as an editor for Legit.ng's current affairs and politics desk. He holds a degree in Mass Communication (Adekunle Ajasin University). He is a certified digital reporter by Reuters, AFP and the co-convener of the annual campus journalism awards. Email: segun.adeyemi@corp.legit.ng.

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