Gunmen Abduct Imam and Worshippers in Sokoto Mosque Attack

Gunmen attacked a mosque on Saturday in the Bushe community of Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Sokoto State, during the early morning Fajr prayer, abducting 11 worshippers, including the Imam, PM news reported. The incident has heightened fears of insecurity in the region.

Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants struck as prayers commenced, swiftly taking their victims before security forces could respond. Although Nigerian Army troops arrived quickly, they were unable to apprehend the attackers, who fled with the captives.

Ahmed Rufai, spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, confirmed the incident and assured the public that security agencies are working diligently to secure the release of the abducted individuals.

This attack highlights the increasing violence in Sokoto and northern Nigeria, where armed groups continue to target rural communities, causing widespread fear and displacement among residents. There were 735 mass abductions in Nigeria between 2019 and 2023, according to SBM Intelligence, with additional 500 people kidnapped in the North East and North West regions since the end of February 2024.