Armed bandits stormed Kantin Gabas on the outskirts of Sabon Birni town on Monday night. They killed a community guard and abducted multiple residents in what locals describe as yet another assault on the volatile area.
Aminu Boza, who represents Sabon Birni Constituency in the state legislature, confirmed the attack occurred near the community's Eid prayer ground. He said several people were taken by the attackers, though the exact number remains unclear.
Boza explained the difficulty in confirming precise figures. "Sabon Birni is not a small community," he told reporters.
"Some residents fled into bushes while others weren't in town when it happened."
An anonymous resident claimed about 10 people were abducted during the violence. According to this source, this marks the third time bandits have attempted to breach Sabon Birni using the same route.
Sabon Birni currently shelters many displaced persons fleeing insecurity in neighbouring communities. The town has become a focal point for bandit operations in recent weeks.
Details about the slain community guard emerged from Boza's account. The man sustained a gunshot wound to the hand during the attack and died Tuesday morning while being rushed to hospital.
Boza defended characterizing the assault as occurring in Sabon Birni proper. "We cannot deny this happened in our town because Kantin Gabas is just outside and serves our community," he noted.
Police spokesperson DSP Ahmad Rufa'i said he hadn't yet received incident details when contacted. He promised to reach out to the divisional police officer covering the area for more information.
No arrests have been made so far. Authorities are investigating the attack.
