19 Traders Including Two Biological Brothers Killed As Bandits Attack Sokoto Market

In what will come across as a really mind-shattering development, at least 19 traders were killed by bandits who attacked a weekly market at Unguwan Lalle in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

It was gathered that the attackers stormed the market at about 3pm, on Friday, October 8, shortly after all the traders had returned from the Juma’at congregational prayers.

Two biological brothers, Shafiu and Muhammau, who trade in hide and skin were among those killed.

The two brothers

The attack also left several others injured, majority of whom are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Sabon Birni.

It was further learnt that Unguwan Lalle market is among the popular markets in the eastern part of Sokoto state and is being patronised by traders from different parts of the state and from Zamfara, Kebbi and neighbouring Niger Republic.

A resident who spoke to Daily Trust, confirmed the death of the brothers in the attack.

“The two brothers came to the market from the city. We just buried them at Tudun Wada cemetery in Sokoto South local government area,” the source said.

“They (bandits) came around 3pm, surrounded the market and started shooting sporadically. I counted about 19 bodies and many were still unaccounted for,” it said.

Confirming the incident, member representing Sabon Birni North, Aminu Almustapha Gobir, said the whole Sabon Birni was in a mourning state over the attack.

“Sabon Birni is under siege, this is what I have been telling you people and the government is not happy about it,” he said.

Gobir, who witnessed the burial of the two brothers, noted that traders from different places were killed by the attackers.

However, the state government has blamed the traders for the attack because all rural markets in the eastern part of the state were banned as part of measures to curtail banditry.

The Commissioner for Carriers and Security Matters, Colonel Garba Moyi (rtd), stated this in an interview with our reporter.