over 10 women abducted as bandits strike community in Sokoto
The security situation in Northwest Nigeria has taken another harrowing turn following a violent midnight raid on a peaceful community in Sokoto State. Residents of Tudun Mallam village, located in the Wurno Local Government Area, are currently grappling with the aftermath of an attack that has left families devastated and the community in a state of mourning and fear.
In this detailed report, we break down the events of the Sunday night attack, the current state of the victims, and the growing concerns regarding the effectiveness of security measures in the region.
The Midnight Raid: How the Attack Unfolded
On the night of Sunday, January 11, 2026, while residents were asleep, a group of armed bandits reportedly stormed Tudun Mallam village. According to eyewitness accounts and reports shared by security analyst Bakatsine on X (formerly Twitter), the attackers arrived in large numbers, catching the community off guard.
The assault was characterized by sporadic shooting and systematic looting. During the chaos, two individuals sustained gunshot wounds. These victims were quickly rushed to the Udutu Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC), where they are currently receiving medical attention. While their conditions are being monitored, the psychological trauma inflicted on the village remains immeasurable.
Massive Abduction: Over 10 Women Missing
The most distressing aspect of the raid was the targeted abduction of women. Reports indicate that more than 10 women were forcefully taken by the bandits and moved into the nearby forests. This mass kidnapping has sent shockwaves through Wurno LGA, as the whereabouts of these women remain unknown.
Mass abductions, particularly of women and children, have become a terrifying hallmark of banditry in Northern Nigeria, often used as leverage for ransom negotiations or to exert control over local territories.
Looting and Economic Sabotage
Beyond the physical violence and kidnappings, the bandits also targeted the livelihood of the villagers. Residents reported that the attackers looted significant amounts of farm equipment.
In a region where agriculture is the backbone of the economy, the loss of farming tools is a devastating blow. This act of economic sabotage further impoverishes the community and discourages farmers from returning to their fields, potentially leading to food insecurity in the Wurno axis.
The Growing Outcry: “Where is the Improved Security?”
This latest attack has sparked a heated debate regarding the safety of citizens in Sokoto State. Despite repeated assurances from government authorities and security agencies that the insurgency is being quelled, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
Local security analysts and residents have voiced their frustrations. As Bakatsine noted in his report: “Communities say attacks and kidnappings are continuing despite the claims of improved security. Where exactly is the improved security being promised?”
This sentiment reflects a growing distrust among the populace. Many believe that the bandits are operating with a level of impunity that contradicts official “security success” narratives.
Official Response and Next Steps
As of the time of this report, the Sokoto State Police Command and relevant military authorities have yet to issue a formal statement regarding the Tudun Mallam attack. Historically, such silences are often followed by tactical operations, but for the families of the abducted women, every hour of silence feels like an eternity.
Community leaders in Wurno LGA are calling on the Federal and State governments to:
- Deploy immediate rescue teams to track the bandits and bring the abducted women home safely.
- Establish permanent security outposts in vulnerable border communities like Tudun Mallam.
- Provide humanitarian aid to those who have lost their equipment and those currently hospitalized.
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