They came on over 30 motorcycles, shooting into the air. We thank God the chairman left earlier, or else they would have taken him
Isah Kalanjeni, the local government chairman of Tangaza, was almost evaded by armed bandits who assaulted the village in broad daylight yesterday, causing inhabitants of Kalanjeni village in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State to feel a sense of unease.
It was reported that the chairman, who had previously served in the National Assembly for two terms, had left his apartment just a few minutes before the attackers arrived.
According to eyewitnesses, the people were terrified and ran in every direction to get away from the barrage of gunshots.
One of the residents said, “It was like a movie. They came on over 30 motorcycles, shooting into the air. We thank God the chairman left earlier, or else they would have taken him.”
According to eyewitness, the assailants enraged the locals after failing to locate their intended victim, causing them to rustle dozens of cattle and damage properties.
A local herder Mallam Abdullahi, who alleged security operatives arrived late despite several distress calls said, “They took our goats and cows. We have nothing.
Villagers accused officials of indifference and demanded immediate government intervention to protect lives and property.
“We keep reporting, but nothing is done until it’s too late. “Are we not citizens?
“We are tired. We want peace. We want to live.”
Ahmad Rufa’i, Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson, acknowledged the attack but did not disclose details.
“Our men and Army have been deployed to the area and after heavy fighting, the bandits retreat and abandoned most of the rustled Animals. Investigation is ongoing.”