Out of fear over potential terrorist attacks, the residents of Adamawa, Attalawa, and Dukkuma villages in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State have fled their homes.
According to SaharaReporters, it was gathered that in recent weeks, the villages had been living under the shadow of terrorist activities, with sporadic attacks.
In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, a man, who chose to remain anonymous due to fear of the gunmen, was seen with others carrying their belongings as they left their homes.
The departure comes in the wake of recent bandit attacks on Dukkuma village.
According to him, “We are leaving because these bandits do not allow us any peace of mind. They have stopped us from farming and have been going house to house, kidnapping our wives.”
He explained that they had no choice but to leave because they lacked support from the government to protect their lives and property.
“They have been attacking, killing, and abducting our people for nearly eight years now, but things have worsened recently. Look at these women and children—young and old—forced to flee their homes on foot. The government should consider our plight and help us.”
He added, “Our leaders have allowed these bandits to continue threatening us. Just two days ago, they invaded Dukkuma village, abducted several women, and killed some people. As of now, 18 women and children are still in the hands of the bandits.”
He also mentioned that a woman who had given birth just a week ago was abducted along with her newborn child.
“We have no one to rescue us. Our leaders should show compassion, and if they refuse to help, we will have no choice but to find another means to leave the country,” he said.
VIDEO: Sokoto Residents Flee From Three Communities Amid Rising Terrorist Attacks pic.twitter.com/KxIYbQEFEj
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) October 23, 2024
When SaharaReporters reached out to the Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Rufa’i Ahmad, he did not answer his phone nor respond to the message sent to him.