Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.
SOKOTO, Nigeria — Armed assailants launched a deadly overnight attack on Dabagin Yari community in Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, killing several residents, injuring others, and abducting a number of villagers, including women and children. Local sources told reporters that the attackers stormed the rural settlement under the cover of darkness, firing indiscriminately before rounding up victims and fleeing to an unknown destination. The exact casualty figures remain unclear as authorities continue assessments and rescue efforts.Security analyst Zagazola Makama, known by the pseudonym Bakatsine on social media platform X, condemned the violence, questioning attempts by some actors to frame such atrocities in religious terms.“The assaults have left the community in deep fear and mourning,” he wrote. “How can anyone justify calling such terrorists Muslim or claiming their crimes are acts of jihad, when Islam clearly forbids the murder of innocents, the kidnapping of women and children, and the spreading of terror?” Rising insecurity in Sokoto and Northwest Nigeria Sokoto State, like several parts of Nigeria’s northwest, has witnessed repeated attacks attributed to armed bandit groups and extremist elements operating across porous borders. Communities in Wurno and neighboring local government areas have faced raids involving killings, kidnappings for ransom, and the destruction of property. The latest assault underscores persistent security vulnerabilities despite ongoing military operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks in the region. Nigeria’s security forces have in recent years intensified air and ground offensives targeting armed groups across Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina states.Authorities in Sokoto State have yet to release an official casualty breakdown or confirm the number of abducted persons. However, local officials say search-and-rescue efforts are underway, and security patrols have been reinforced in affected communities. Community in mourning residents described scenes of panic as families fled into nearby bushes during the attack. Survivors are calling for increased security presence and rapid intervention to secure the safe return of abducted victims. The attack has renewed debate over Nigeria’s broader counterinsurgency strategy and the need for stronger community-based intelligence gathering, border surveillance, and coordinated regional security frameworks across West Africa. Nigeria continues to grapple with multifaceted security threats, including banditry, insurgency, and communal violence, posing significant humanitarian and governance challenges. Wider media coverage the incident has also been reported by reputable Nigerian and international outlets, including: Premium Times; Daily Trust; Channels Television; BBC News as investigations continue, security stakeholders face mounting pressure to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among vulnerable rural communities.
Afilawos Magana Sur is a journalist from Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, currently based in Bauchi metropolis. He is known for his commitment to accurate, ethical, and responsible journalism, with a focus on reporting issues of public relevance and community development.
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