Two currency exchange dealers were killed on Sunday after suspected Lakurawa bandits opened fire at the Durusar Gawo currency market in the Kurdula District of Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The market serves as a major commercial hub between Nigeria and the Niger Republic, attracting traders and currency dealers from both sides of the border.

One of the victims, identified as Sani, was a Nigerien currency dealer who regularly operated at the market, while the second victim was identified as Alhaji Ummaru.

Residents of the area disclosed that the Lakurawa bandits have continued to terrorise several villages in Gudu and neighbouring Tangaza Local Government Area, enforcing their own rules, confiscating livestock, and meting out punishments without resistance.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, who confirmed the attack, said one victim died instantly while the second passed away at Dogon Dutse Hospital.

Eyewitnesses said about a dozen armed men arrived around 2 p.m. on motorcycles and headed straight to the currency exchange section of the market, where they opened fire on traders before seizing cash in both local and foreign currencies.

“After the operation, two of them returned on a motorcycle and told people to continue their businesses, saying they had finished what they came for,” an eyewitness said.

Residents say the deteriorating security situation has forced several schools to shut down, while economic activities continue under fear.

“We need security more than anything,” one resident lamented. “It’s like there’s no government. We are not enjoying democracy here, only fear.”

Another resident claimed there are no security personnel stationed in Kurdula despite it being the headquarters of the Durusar Gawo district. According to him, the nearest security post is about 45 kilometres away, making response slow and ineffective.

He added that Bachaka District is the only axis with some security presence, and residents largely depend on support from neighbouring Arewa Dandi Local Government in Kebbi State due to geographical proximity, rather than Sokoto authorities.

Residents are calling on the Sokoto State Government and security agencies to intervene urgently and provide sustained protection for communities along the Nigeria–Niger border corridor.

(Nigerian Tribune)

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