Panic swept through Sabon Birni Local Government Area in Sokoto on Wednesday morning. Suspected bandits kidnapped more than 20 travellers and farmers near the route to the town's main market.
Armed men on motorcycles struck around 10 a.m., firing weapons into the air. Commuters and residents scattered in different directions as the attackers moved in from multiple angles.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen targeted both market traders and people working on nearby farms. They blocked the major road leading to Sabon Birni from several positions.
One resident who spoke on condition of anonymity described the chaos. "We saw them coming on motorcycles before shooting started," the witness recalled.
According to his account, many victims were forced onto bikes while others were tied up. Some were marched into nearby forests after the motorcycles filled to capacity.
"Men were bound with cloth strips, and women were tied with their veils," he told reporters. "Gunfire echoed across the entire area."
A man named Abdurrashid lost his mother in the raid. She was working on their family farm when the attackers took her.
His father is bedridden, Abdurrashid explained to journalists. His mother had been the sole breadwinner for the household.
"She was taken while farming," he said, his voice heavy with worry. "Since my father is ill, she's been caring for us all."
The young man has since moved his younger siblings to their grandparents' house. He fears for his mother's safety.
Another resident clarified that bandits didn't enter Sabon Birni town itself. They operated around Mangwaron Bullun, an area connecting several surrounding communities.
Communities affected include Katsira, Zakin Ganga, Maskin Wuya, Garin Dango, Garin Gardi, Garin Bage and Zududu. All these settlements link through the attacked route.
Residents warned that actual victim numbers may still rise. Many families haven't yet discovered their relatives are missing.
"Wednesday is market day in Sabon Birni, so mostly traders were attacked," one person explained. "Some families won't realize loved ones are gone until much later."
The Sabon Birni Constituency representative in Sokoto's state assembly said he would investigate the reports. He didn't provide immediate details.
Police spokesperson Ahmad Rufai didn't respond to calls seeking comment. His phone lines went unanswered throughout the day.
This latest abduction deepens fears about security across Sokoto State. Armed groups have launched repeated kidnappings, killings and violent attacks in recent months.
Communities remain on high alert as security concerns worsen. Officials face mounting pressure to address the growing crisis.
