The peace at the Mamman Suka village checkpoint in Gwadabawa local government area, Sokoto state, was disrupted when gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers launched a violent attack.
The aftermath of the incident was the loss of two immigration officers’ lives, and several other individuals were abducted from the scene.
As per an anonymous eyewitness, who identified himself as a driver, a group of gunmen, believed to be kidnappers, executed thhe attack on Friday around 7 pm.
The incident occurred at the Immigration checkpoint along Sokoto/Illela road, where two Immigration officers were shot, and several others were forcefully abducted.
Situated along Sokoto/Illela road, Mamman stands as one of the largest weekly livestock markets in the State, serving as a notable hub that brings together the Nigerian business community and nationals from neighboring Niger Republic.
The attack has been confirmed by the Public Relations Officer of Nigeria Immigration Service Illela Border Command, Bello Mohammed. He stated, ‘We are currently in the hospital, please with the wounded. I will give you a call later.’
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Upon further enquiry, Mohammed said, ‘We are sorting out things to know the degree of the attack and the number of casualties involved.’
As the nation mourns the loss of these brave officers and prays for the safe return of those abducted, questions about the security situation in the region and the measures needed to prevent such tragedies in the future are being raised.
Amidst the continuous rise in insurgencies claiming numerous lives and displacing thousands seeking refuge, urgent calls have been directed at the government to address this escalating crisis. The safety and well-being of those living in the affected regions are at stake, prompting the need for swift action to mitigate the threats and restore peace.
Regrettably, the military’s endeavors in the northern regions have not yielded the desired outcomes, with security threats resurging despite their efforts. The persistence of these challenges calls for a critical analysis of the existing approach, seeking innovative and more successful ways to combat the evolving threats.