Bandits attack Sokoto community, kill one, abduct INEC staff

Bandits have attacked Girkau village in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing one person and abducting an INEC staff member.

The attack reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday, September 10, 2026, with the abducted official identified as Bala Aladan, an INEC staff member working in Tambuwal Local Government Area.

The Sokoto State Police Command said it had launched an investigation into the incident and deployed additional personnel to the affected area.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the attackers stormed the community after residents had been evacuated from the area.

He said one resident was killed, while an INEC employee from Tambuwal Local Government Area was abducted during the attack.

“Security agencies have been notified and are said to be on the ground. As of this morning, no further report has been received from the area,” Rufai said.

A resident, Munir Auwal, however, said the attackers stormed the community in the early hours, shooting sporadically before abducting an unspecified number of residents.

A police source, who spoke anonymously, said operatives were conducting search-and-rescue operations and tracking the fleeing attackers.

The source said investigations were ongoing to establish the exact number of people abducted or killed and urged residents to remain calm and provide useful information to security agencies.