Bandit Attacks Spark Protest in Sokoto: Angry Residents Block Major Highway [VIDEO]

Residents of Bodinga Local Government Area in Sokoto State have taken to the streets in protest, blocking the Bodinga–Sokoto highway on Friday to demand urgent government intervention following a fresh wave of bandit attacks on several communities. The demonstration, which drew widespread attention, was sparked by reports of violent raids that left lives lost, families displaced, and numerous residents missing. Protesters accused security agencies and local authorities of failing to protect them from the escalating insecurity that has plagued the region for months.

The attacks, which targeted villages including Danchadi, Dabagi, Karaje, and Taƙule, reportedly forced hundreds of people to flee their homes on foot, as seen in a video shared by journalist Bakatsine on X. Local sources confirmed that armed bandits invaded these communities, destroying property and creating widespread panic. A displaced woman told Bakatsine that her husband was killed during one of the raids, underscoring the human cost of the violence.

Residents of other nearby communities such as Zango, Biri, Illela, Horo, and Danbaro also abandoned their homes out of fear of further attacks. Many families remain separated, with loved ones still unaccounted for. The protest, which blocked a major transportation route, reflects growing frustration among citizens who feel neglected by both state and federal authorities.

Bakatsine, a conflict and insecurity reporter for Nigeria’s North-West, reported that the protesters are demanding immediate military presence, better security measures, and accountability from leaders. He emphasized that the situation is deteriorating, with communities living in constant fear and unable to return to their farms or schools. The lack of official response from the Sokoto State Government and security agencies has only deepened public anxiety.

The Bodinga–Sokoto highway, a key route connecting the local government to the state capital, remains closed as of the time of reporting. The protest has disrupted travel and commerce, highlighting the broader impact of insecurity on daily life. While no official statement has been released, the incident adds to mounting pressure on authorities to address the rising tide of banditry in the North-West.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity in its northern regions, the people of Bodinga are calling for swift and decisive action. Their protest is not just a reaction to recent violence but a plea for long-term solutions to ensure peace and safety in their communities.