Local Gov’t Chairman Narrowly Escapes Bandits’ Attack In Sokoto

Suspected insurgents linked to the Islamic State in the Sahel Province (ISSP), locally referred to as Lakurawa, have launched a violent attack on Kalenjini town, the hometown of Isa Kalenjini, chairman of Tangaza local government area council in Sokoto State.

Eyewitnesses reported that the coordinated assault occurred shortly after the local government chairman left his residence, making many to believe that he was the primary target of the attack.

The Sokoto State Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmed Rufa’i, confirmed the incident, stating that joint security forces were on the trail of the attackers.

He noted that some of the livestock stolen during the raid have been recovered after the assailants fled into the Tangaza forest.

Efforts to reach Isa Kalenjini for comments proved unsuccessful, as calls to his telephone remained unanswered as at the time of filing this report.

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The attack on Kalenjini town comes on the heels of a similar violent raid on April 22, 2025, when members of Lakurawa terrorist group, in collaboration with armed bandits, attacked Saminaka village, also in Tangaza LGA of the State.

During the assault, one person identified as Salihu Isiyaku Hamza was killed, and a large number of livestock comprising sheep, camels, and cattle—were rustled. The attackers reportedly escaped into Gohono forest after firing sporadically to cause panic.

The late Hamza was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.

The ISSP (Lakurawa), a designated terrorist organisation, has been increasingly remain active in the region, escalating attacks on rural settlements, local leaders, and security personnel.

Security agencies have intensified surveillance and patrols in the area as residents continued to call for more proactive and permanent solutions to the deteriorating security situation.