At least 28 individuals, including Imam Aliyu, the Chief Imam of Ungushi Izala Jumu’at Mosque, lost their lives when heavily armed bandits launched a devastating attack on the Ungushi community in Sokoto State’s Kebbe Local Government Area on Monday evening.
The assault comes amid heightened anxiety in Kebbe, where local populations have faced persistent threats from armed factions suspected of ties to the Lakurawa terrorist organization.
Addressing the incident, DSP Ahmed Rufai, spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, explained that establishing an exact casualty count remains difficult, though recovery efforts yielded dozens of bodies.
He, however, said no fewer than 28 corpses were recovered in the aftermath of the attack.
Local eyewitnesses reported that the armed group entered Ungushi late in the day and opened fire without discrimination, leaving 22 civilians dead on the scene. The murder of Imam Aliyu, a respected spiritual leader, alongside local merchants, farmers, and family members, has left the area in shock.
These are ordinary people. They are farmers, traders, religious leaders and family members. They have done nothing to deserve this, stated a local resident who requested anonymity for safety reasons.
Another resident expressed deep concern over rising fear and displacement across neighboring settlements.
People are no longer sleeping peacefully. Families are leaving their homes because they fear another attack. We need urgent intervention before more communities are deserted, the source said.
This fatal raid follows warnings from Friday, when large groups of armed men on motorcycles reportedly moved through Kebbe LGA, looting shops, destroying property, and harassing villagers. While confirming that violence occurred, police authorities indicated that detailed statements would follow complete data collection.
Responding to the security challenge, Maj Gen Bemgba Koughna, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division, visited the Forward Operating Base in Kebbe on Monday to evaluate defense positions and reassure the public.
During interactions with local leaders and residents, Koughna explained that military positions have been tactical reshuffled to block further terrorist incursions.
Troops remain fully deployed, highly alert and operationally focused on protecting lives and property, the GOC said.
He noted that updated operational measures aim to identify and neutralize emerging threats rapidly.
The Nigerian Army remains unwavering in its determination to respond swiftly and decisively to any emerging threats, Koughna said.
Assuring the populace that bandits would not establish bases in Kebbe, he emphasized sustained military presence.
We will continue to maintain a robust presence in this area and ensure that our troops remain ready to respond to any threat to the peace and security of the people, he said.
The GOC cautioned against panic while appealing for active public cooperation with security personnel through actionable intelligence.
Community support remains a critical component in detecting, disrupting and dismantling terrorist networks before they can launch attacks, he said.
He urged citizens to report unfamiliar figures or suspicious movements immediately, reiterating the military’s obligation to safeguard livelihoods.
We will not allow criminal elements to intimidate our people or disrupt their livelihoods. Our troops are prepared and will continue to operate with determination and professionalism, he said.
Details of the military assessment were outlined in a statement released Sunday by Lt Col Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 8 Division and Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma.
Despite these military assurances, community leaders stressed that ongoing violence threatens to collapse local socio-economic life entirely.
People cannot farm, children are afraid to go to school, and families are abandoning their homes. If nothing is done urgently, we may witness the complete displacement of these communities, a community representative warned.
Reacting to the incident, former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar urged the Federal Government to take decisive operational measures rather than relying on routine public condolences.
In a statement released Monday via his verified X handle, Atiku condemned the killings and mourned the victims.
I am devastated by the killing of 32 innocent Nigerians in Ungushi community, Kebbe LGA of Sokoto State, he said.
He extended condolences to the bereaved households and the government of Sokoto State.
My heart goes out to the bereaved families and the people of Sokoto State. May Allah forgive the departed and give their loved ones the strength to endure this unbearable loss, he said.
Atiku emphasized that official sympathy statements are no longer an adequate response to continuous violence.
But condolences are no longer enough. How many more Nigerians must be slaughtered before this government treats the protection of human life as an emergency? he asked.
He warned the administration against becoming accustomed to routine massacres without delivering tangible safety to citizens.
These killings have become frighteningly recurrent, and a government that cannot protect its citizens must not become comfortable issuing statements after every massacre, he said.
The former Vice-President demanded immediate strategic upgrades and accountability.
The Federal Government must move from condolences to action: strengthen intelligence, secure vulnerable communities and bring the perpetrators to justice, Atiku said.
Highlighting the fundamental duties of statecraft, he concluded with a demand for clear results over excuses.
The first duty of government is to protect life. Nigerians cannot continue to bury their loved ones while those entrusted with their security offer excuses, he said, adding: May Allah comfort Sokoto and restore peace to our nation.
