Two people were killed on Thursday night when gunmen attacked Yar Bulutu community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Among those killed was Malam Nasiru, a resident who had become a target for regularly using the mosque public address system to alert villagers of suspicious movements.
Local sources said the attackers also rustled several livestock during the raid before fleeing the area. The incident was first shared on X by security analyst Bakatsine, who quoted residents of the community.
According to those sources, Malam Nasiru had been on the bandits’ watchlist because he repeatedly used the mosque loudspeaker to warn people whenever armed men were seen approaching. Community members described his death as the cost of trying to protect others in the absence of quick security response.
“His killing is a painful reminder of the risks faced by ordinary people who step up to keep their communities informed,” one source told Bakatsine.
The attack has again raised concerns about security in Sabon Birni and other parts of Sokoto State, where raids, abductions and cattle rustling by armed groups have continued despite military operations in the North West. In many villages, residents now rely on mosque loudspeakers and local vigilance groups to provide early warnings.
Reacting to the incident, Bakatsine asked how many more civilians would have to die before those providing early warnings receive protection.
“How many more community members must lose their lives before those risking everything to provide early warning receive the protection they deserve?” he wrote.
