At least seven people have been killed and 12 others abducted after armed bandits invaded Tofa village in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The attack, which occurred around 1am on Monday, also involved the rustling of an undisclosed number of animals, according to a security source.

The source said the bandits, who attacked the community in large numbers, opened sporadic fire and operated for about four hours.

“They killed seven persons including two women and abducted several others,” the source said.

Those killed by the bandits were identified as Malam Muhammadu, Danbakanike, Musa Dan Agaji, Masaudu Basiru, Buba Biti, Yar Kuluwa Basiru and Jamila Umma.

The source further identified those who were abducted as Shafiu Bello, Bilyaminu Abubakar, Saifullahi Buhari, Hauwau Zayyanu, Saratu Ibrahim, Safiyya Nasi, Zulaiha Aminu, Bilya Abu, Farida Lawali, Yar Kadan Aminu and Kulu Amadu.

The bandits were said to have released 10 other victims along their way back to their hideout.

Those released included Hadiza Kabiru, Amina Abu, Jiborin Buhari, Babangida Buhari, Fati Abdullahi, Abdurrazak Muhammad, Usman Umar, Nanuwa Aminu, Maryam Isah and Aisha Ummaru.

The source further noted that the attackers abducted two other persons during separate attacks, including one Sani Gayya, also known as Magatakarda Saburu, who was kidnapped while working on his farm in the nearby Saburu village. (Daily Trust)