Residents of Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State are increasingly abandoning their homes at night due to rising bandit attacks, the council chairman, Alhaji Abba Isa Sadiq Achida, has said.

He said the situation has become a major concern to residents, the state and federal governments, as well as security agencies, noting that attacks now occur almost daily in parts of the LGA.

“The people no longer sleep with their two eyes closed,” he said while speaking to journalists in Sokoto.

The chairman lamented that several lives and properties had been lost to banditry in recent years, adding that more than 100 residents are currently in captivity across the area.

He said thousands of people now troop to Achida town every evening to spend the night and return to their communities during the day.

“They sleep in primary schools and any available spaces. You can imagine the psychological and emotional trauma they face daily,” he said.

Sadiq-Achida also raised concern over the activities of suspected informants aiding the attackers, but noted that communities have begun to support security agencies with useful information while forming vigilante groups.

He said bandits also block major roads at night, especially during market days in Achida and Goronyo.

While commending Governor Ahmed Aliyu for efforts to improve security, the chairman called for more urgent interventions, including the establishment of a military base in Achida.

He also appealed for the creation of additional police divisions and outposts in Achida, Kwargaba, Chacho and other vulnerable communities, stressing the need for proper staffing and equipment.

According to him, the council has commenced the renovation of the Achida Police Outpost.

Reacting, Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, said the command is aware of the situation and is intensifying efforts to address it.

“We are not handling the issue lightly. More personnel and resources will be deployed to restore normalcy,” he said.

He assured that the police would not relent until all parts of the state are safe.

Daily Trust had earlier reported how gunmen attacked Achida town on April 17, killing two people and abducting 23 others, including women, a 10-year-old boy and vigilantes.

Also in another incident, gunmen attacked Chacho village hours before a wedding, where they abducted the bride, bridesmaids and nine other women.

Community leaders said Chacho has recorded about 10 attacks in the past five years, with over 30 residents killed.

Residents described Wurno as a persistent hotspot where vigilantes are often outgunned, while poor mobile network coverage delays distress calls.

They called for permanent military and police presence to address the recurring attacks. (Daily Trust)