Suspected bandits on Friday night attacked Rimawa village in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, injuring three residents, stealing livestock and carting away mobile phones and power banks from the community’s main phone charging centre.

Residents said the attackers invaded the village at about 8:40 p.m. and remained there for more than two hours without any reported intervention from security agencies.

According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen divided themselves into two groups during the operation. While one group focused on rustling cattle and sheep, the other fired repeatedly to keep residents indoors and prevent any resistance.

The attackers also targeted the village’s central phone charging facility, where they allegedly stole customers’ mobile phones and power banks. Some of the devices were reportedly worth between ₦200,000 and ₦500,000.

A resident, who requested anonymity, said Rimawa had experienced several attempted attacks in recent days, but local vigilantes had successfully repelled the assailants until Friday’s invasion.

He explained that the attackers arrived in the area earlier than expected and disguised themselves before launching the assault from the village’s main motor park.

The resident further alleged that although security agencies were alerted shortly after the attack began, no reinforcement arrived while the bandits operated freely.

According to him, those leading away the stolen livestock departed first, while the remaining attackers continued firing before eventually leaving the community.

He also disclosed that a resident died on Saturday after reportedly suffering complications linked to high blood pressure triggered by the shock and trauma of the attack.

Residents lamented the absence of stationed security personnel in the community, saying they have repeatedly appealed for the deployment of soldiers or Mobile Police officers but have continued to rely on local vigilantes for protection.

The latest attack adds to a series of bandit raids recorded in parts of eastern Sokoto, where communities have repeatedly raised concerns over worsening insecurity.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, confirmed that the incident occurred but said he was unable to immediately provide further details on the casualties, adding that he would verify the information before responding. However, no additional update had been provided at the time the report was filed.