Suspected Lakurawa terrorists killed a phone operator and injured several others during an attack on Mano village in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Witnesses said the attackers stormed the village at about 9:02 p.m. on Monday on four motorcycles and opened fire on the victim operating a shop owned by Nafi’u Mamman.

The assailants reportedly looted mobile phones, power banks, cigarettes and food items from the shop before fleeing the scene.

A separate account indicated that the deceased was a member of the Sokoto Community Guard Corps.

He was said to have fled the community previously due to security threats but returned in January.

Residents said the bandits adopted a new strategy by striking during Taraweeh prayers when most residents were in the mosque, apparently to avoid confrontation with local vigilantes.

In addition to the killing and injuries, the attackers were said to have rustled about 20 livestock. Some of the animals were later recovered, though the exact number could not be ascertained at press time.

An official of Tangaza Local Government Council, who confirmed the incident, appealed to security agencies to deploy more personnel to the area to forestall further attacks.

Tangaza, which shares a border with the Niger Republic, has been among the worst-hit areas by activities of Lakurawa bandits and other criminal elements.

Residents alleged that the group has been imposing levies on communities, forcing both adults and minors to contribute under threat of violence.

Sources said the terrorists recently demanded fresh payments, claiming that previous levies had expired.

The attackers reportedly warned that defaulters would face dire consequences.

(Daily Trust)

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