Breaking: Panic in Sokoto as suspected bandits move large herd of cattle in Sifawa
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
Tension gripped Sifawa town in Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Wednesday, as suspected bandits were sighted moving large herds of cattle through the community in broad daylight, raising fresh fears of an impending security threat.
An impeccable security source who confirmed the development to our correspondent said the movement of the cattle was followed by a fierce engagement between the bandits and forward operating troops deployed in Sifawa.
They were said to to be moving some rustled cattle form Dandin Mahe and Badau villages in Shagari and Bodinga Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.
The source said the military contingent, operating from the Sifawa axis, was locked in an ongoing battle with the suspected bandits as of the time of filing this report.
The development has heightened anxiety among residents and farming communities around Sifawa, with security forces said to be maintaining active operations to prevent the criminals from gaining further access to vulnerable communities.
The source further disclosed that public announcements were being made across the area, directing farmers whose millet farms are located along the frontline to immediately harvest their crops and vacate areas considered vulnerable to the ongoing military engagement.
The emergency directive is believed to be a precautionary measure aimed at protecting farmers from being caught in the crossfire as troops intensify efforts to confront the bandits.
Residents in the affected communities have been urged to remain vigilant, avoid the operational area and comply strictly with security instructions.
Sifawa, a prominent community in Bodinga LGA, has remained strategically important in the security architecture of the area, particularly because of its proximity to farming settlements vulnerable to bandit activities.
The latest development underscores the growing security challenges confronting rural communities in Sokoto State, where bandit groups continue to exploit vast farmlands and difficult terrains to move men, livestock and other resources.
The source appealed to residents to remain calm but vigilant, stressing that the presence of the military was intended to prevent the suspected criminals from advancing into populated communities.
The identity and strength of the bandits involved could not be immediately established, while details of casualties or the outcome of the ongoing engagement were also unavailable as of the time of filing this report.
The situation remains fluid, with the military operation reportedly still ongoing. More details will follow as they emerge.
Sifawa town is about 20 kilometers from Sokoto, the state capital.
The spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with our correspondent in Sokoto on Wednesday.
Rufai said the command had mobilized combat-ready operatives who were assisting the military to combat the bandits.
According to him, the command has also taken concrete measures to further secure Sokoto city and its environs, promising to provide further details of the operation later.
