Mass Protest as Shagari Residents Block Highway Over Insecurity and Banditry
Hundreds of men, women, and children from Shagari Local Government Area in Sokoto State have taken to the streets, barricading the Sokoto-Lagos Trunk A highway. Through this peaceful demonstration, they are protesting the alarming rise of insecurity and frequent bandit raids plaguing the region.
Protesters expressed deep frustration, claiming that organized criminal groups have taken control of several communities. The mounting violence has left many residents displaced, emotionally shattered, and uncertain about their future.
Some demonstrators—barefoot and visibly shaken—gathered at Shagari town, the LGA headquarters. As they voiced their struggles and called for help, their chants captured the desperation and pain experienced daily.
The crowd denounced the ongoing attacks that have brought life to a standstill in their villages, urging authorities to intervene before more lives are lost or upended by abductions and violence.
Many accused government officials of neglect, saying they have been left exposed to ruthless gangs who now move freely across Sokoto’s rural landscape.
Three Days of Fear and Violence
Malam Kasimu, a resident of Rinaye village, described the recent wave of attacks that have swept through several areas:
“For three straight days, bandits stormed our villages. They kidnapped our village head and our Imam after killing three community members last weekend.”
Kasimu detailed how armed gangs struck Aske Dodo, Tungar Barke, and Jandutse villages, leaving two more dead and abducting at least 15 people.
“Our people have abandoned their villages. Fearing for their lives, many have fled in panic, leaving behind their farms and possessions.”
A Mother’s Agony Amid the Chaos
Among the displaced is Rabi Shehu, a mother of five from Jandutse. She shared the anguish of being separated from her children during the attack:
“After the shooting started, we all ran in different directions. Since then, I haven’t seen my children. I have no place to stay, no food, and no idea where my kids are. All we want is safety and peace in our villages again.”
Emergency Agencies Document Widespread Loss
The National Emergency Management Agency () and the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) have both assessed the situation, confirming the extent of the destruction in official statements.
Representatives from these agencies visited approximately 30 homes currently housing displaced families.
They also met with community leaders such as the District Head of Dundaji and the Head of Tungar Barke, Muhammadu Tudu—who themselves have lost their homes and are now among those displaced.
Villages like Lungu, Tungar-Doruwa, Zango, Yan Yandu, Tungar Na’anza, and Ila have also suffered heavily. Survivors from these places recount tales of murder, mass abductions, and the razing of entire communities.
The devastation has emptied entire farming settlements, raising fears of food shortages and looming economic hardship for the region.
Authorities Respond as Public Outcry Mounts
The Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Sokoto State Governor has acknowledged the tragic events across the affected communities and confirmed awareness of the protests in Shagari.
He offered assurances that the government is stepping up its efforts to restore order. However, weary residents question whether their pain will be addressed, given the scale of the crisis and suffering already endured.
