Suspected terrorists have invaded Gorau community in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing four residents, abducting four others and leaving several people injured.
The attack reportedly took place around 9 pm on Wednesday, barely six days after a boat accident in the community allegedly killed 65 people and left several families grieving.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Sokoto State Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, confirmed the attack, saying the assailants stormed the community and opened fire on residents.
The village head of Gorau, Alhaji Aliyu Magaji Na-Batsami, said 11 residents were shot during the attack.
“Eleven people were shot by the terrorists. Seven of them survived and were rushed to the hospital for treatment, while four others died instantly,” he said.
Na-Batsami alleged that the attackers specifically targeted families who lost loved ones in the recent boat tragedy, apparently in search of the N1m relief money reportedly donated by the Sokoto State Government to each bereaved family.
He said, “They went from house to house searching for the money. Their main target appeared to be families of those who died in the boat accident.”
The village head added that four residents were taken away by the attackers, while several others suffered different degrees of injuries.
The member representing Gada/Goronyo Federal Constituency, Bashir Usman Gorau, also confirmed the incident and sympathised with the affected families.
The latest attack has added to the grief in Gorau, as residents are still mourning those who died in the recent boat accident. It has also raised fresh concerns over the security situation in communities across Goronyo Local Government Area.