Attack on Bargaje Community Leaves Five Dead and Nine Women Abducted
A violent attack on the Bargaje Community in the Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State has resulted in at least five confirmed deaths and the abduction of nine women. The assault, carried out by armed bandits, reportedly occurred on Friday and lasted for several hours. The attackers, believed to be loyal to notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji, arrived in large numbers, opening fire and setting homes ablaze. Residents described the incident as chaotic, with many fleeing into nearby bushes to escape the violence.
One terrified resident shared the harrowing experience, stating that the gunmen arrived on motorcycles late Friday night. “They came through the eastern axis and took us by surprise. The vigilantes tried to resist but were overpowered,” the source said. The attack left the community in shock, with families mourning their losses and others fearing for their safety.
Despite the severity of the incident, security forces had not issued an official statement as of press time. However, a senior police officer, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed the attack but declined to provide specific casualty figures. Attempts to reach the Sokoto State Police Command’s spokesperson, Ahmed Rufai, remained unsuccessful, leaving many questions unanswered.
Denial of Allegations Against Local Government Chairman
In response to the attack, the Isa Local Government Council has denied allegations that its chairman, Sharehu Kamarawa, ignored an intelligence alert prior to the incident. A viral social media report claimed that Kamarawa failed to act on critical information, but the council has labeled these claims as false and mischievous.
In a statement released on Saturday, the council emphasized that the allegations were a “baseless attempt to malign the image of the chairman and undermine ongoing security efforts.” It stated that the council acted swiftly upon receiving intelligence, mobilizing vigilante groups and notifying relevant security agencies. “Security personnel were deployed to the area to forestall an attack. However, the bandits diverted through another route, which unfortunately led to the Bargaje incident,” the statement explained.
The council also disclosed that it had sanctioned the local security commander responsible for the area and replaced him to improve coordination and response. This move is seen as an effort to address gaps in security preparedness and ensure better protection for residents in the future.
Commitment to Security and Unity
Kamarawa, in his remarks, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property. He highlighted the ongoing support provided to both formal and community-based security formations, including logistics, fuel, and welfare assistance. “Security is a shared responsibility. We need unity, vigilance, and credible information — not falsehoods that weaken our collective resolve,” he said.
The chairman urged residents to avoid spreading unverified claims that could demoralize security operatives or disrupt intelligence sharing. His appeal underscores the importance of cooperation between local authorities and the community in addressing the persistent threat of banditry.
Ongoing Challenges and Calls for Action
The attack on Bargaje highlights the growing challenges faced by communities in Sokoto State and other parts of northern Nigeria. Despite efforts by local governments and security agencies, the presence of armed bandits continues to pose a serious threat to public safety. The situation calls for sustained collaboration between all stakeholders, including the federal government, state authorities, and local vigilante groups.
As investigations into the attack continue, there is a pressing need for transparency and accountability. Residents are hoping for stronger measures to prevent such incidents from occurring again. With the right strategies and resources, it is possible to restore peace and security to affected areas.