Nigerian terrorists operating almost unhindered in the country, have attacked villagers in the Goronyo market, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Nigeria is gradually becoming a terrorist haven where they operate under different nomenclature – Boko Haram in the North East, Bandits in the North West and Fulani herdsmen in the North Central.
According to an online newspaper,NewswireNGR, the Nigerian terrorists attacked the market in large numbers on Sunday night, shooting sporadically and killing several persons.
The casualties from the terrorists’ attack are still hazy, but it is expected to be huge given the number of terrorists who invaded the market.
Sokoto had been relatively peaceful but in the past two months, the Nigerian terrorists have taken special interests in the state, especially markets.
The actual motive for attacking markets is unclear except for some speculation that they could be using the attacks to steal foods from defenceless traders after losing their base in Sokoto following Nigerian military air and land assault on their locations.
Earlier this month, Sahara Reporters, reported that at least 19 traders were killed by the terrorists who raided a weekly market at Unguwan Lalle in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of the state.
The attack also left several others injured, the majority of whom were taken to the General Hospital, Sabon Birni, for treatment.
According to the report, a community – Unguwan Lalle, located along Goronyo-Sabon Birni Road, is the worst hit in terms of attacks by terrorists.
The newspaper reported that five soldiers who were on a rescue mission in the area were ambushed and killed by bandits a few months ago. A resident had said the attack happened during market hours.
For several weeks, troops have been conducting air and ground operations on Nigerian terrorist camps in neighbouring Zamfara State where authorities have shut down telecoms services to disrupt communication between the gangs.
It was gathered that bandits fleeing the military operation in Zamfara have infiltrated Sokoto where they set up camps in the Sabon Birni district from where they raid villages.
According to the report, the influx of bandits from neighbouring Zamfara State prompted authorities in Sokoto to suspend weekly markets and shut down mobile phone services in border areas, including Sabon Birni.
The newspaper recalled that last week, some youths of Goronyo town in the Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State flooded the streets to protest against the abysmal level of insecurity in the area.
A source said the youths were demonstrating against the insecurity in the area, which had forced many residents to flee the town.
He said: “Protest is going on at Goronyo town in Sokoto state. The youths took to the streets protesting rampant insecurity that is forcing people to flee the town. The protest is currently ongoing.”