By Olusegun Olanrewaju
Fifty-seven people have been killed in Sokoto State in two days as bandits went on the rampage.

The death toll from Sunday and Monday’s attacks in Goronyo Local Government Area of the state increased to 43 from 15.

On Tuesday, the casualty figures rose by another 14, who were killed in attacks across communities in Sabon Birni LGA of the state.

It was gathered that the latest attack during which 14 people were killed occurred shortly after President Muhammadu Buhari directed the deployment of more military hardware to the state to tackle insecurity.

The bandits were reported by residents to have invaded some villages in Unguwan Lalle District on Tuesday night.

One Abdullahi Usman was reportedly killed at Unguwan Lalle, nine at Tsangerawa village, and four at Tamindawa.

A source said, “They also opened fire on a commercial vehicle at Gajid village, resulting in the deaths of three persons, including the driver”.

Others, who sustained gunshot injuries, are currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

The bandits were also said to have abducted three persons in the village but were reportedly later released, after an agreement that the locals would pay N2 million ‘levy’ within a few days.

However, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kamaluddeen Okunlola, said eight persons were killed by the attackers.

He said, “They attacked some remote villages that are not accessible due to bad roads. But by the grace of God, we are going to get them. We are going after them.”

Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has confirmed reports that 53 persons were massacred in the state by bandits.

Reports had earlier said that bandits had attacked Illela local government area of Sokoto State on Monday, killing at least 43 innocent persons.

But in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Muhammad Bello, yesterday, the governor was said to have led members of the state executive and security council on a condolence visit to the people of Illela on Wednesday.

Bandits attacked the town and some villages near it in the wee hours on November 15, killing 13 persons in the first instance.

“At the time of the governor’s visit on Wednesday, the death toll had risen to 43,” he stated.

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Bello explained that the village head of Kalmalo, one of the five villages affected in the midnight attack, was also wounded.

Other villages affected were Munwadata, Sarma, Runji, and Masasa, the statement said.

The spokesman added that Tambuwal told the people of Illela that the government and people of Sokoto State felt their grief and extended their condolences.

He said, “This is not a small occurrence. It is upsetting. This incident touched us.”

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Bello added that Tambuwal commended the local government authority, traditional rulers, and community leaders for their lawful composition of a volunteer group to work with security operatives in the area.

He said the governor assured that the state government would constitute joint operations of volunteers to work under the supervision of security agencies to enhance security in the area.

He appealed to the people not to be daunted by the attacks.