Sokoto bandits set ablaze at least 23 travellers. Unlike Kaduna bandits who abduct for ransom, Sokoto bandits abduct to kill
The Senate on Wednesday mourned the deaths of travellers burnt to ashes on Monday by suspected bandits on their way to Gayan in Kaduna state.
The travelers numbering twenty-three, according to reports, were attacked in Angwan Bawa, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The victims were said to be on their way to the southern part of the country when they were intercepted and killed by the bandits.
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Coming under order 43 of the Senate rules, Senator Ibrahim Gobir (Sokoto East), drew the attention of his colleagues to the gruesome murder of the travelers.
He lamented the spate of killings, which, he warned were alarming and on the increase.
He called on the military and security agencies to immediately intervene by deploying personnel to secure the lives of residents in states affected by the activities of bandits.
The Senate, thereafter, observed a minute silence to mourn the victims of Monday’s attack by bandits.
President Buhari has also expressed sadness over the recent gruesome attack on innocent travellers in Sokoto State.
Reacting to the incident on Wednesday, President Buhari said: “I am very distressed at the manner of death visited on these hapless citizens who were undertaking a legitimate journey to another part of the country.
“It shows that the evil this administration is confronting is one that requires the support and involvement of all Nigerians.
“I extend deep condolences to the families of the victims as I assure that the security agencies will continue to give their all to bring to an end the operations of these despicable people.”
The Punch reported that the victims numbering about 10, including a Nigerien and locals from Sabon Birni Local Government, were said to have been on their way to Gadan Gayan in Kaduna en-route southern part of the country in search of livelihood.
It said a resident of Sabon Birni who narrated the incident to our correspondent when he arrived Sokoto on Tuesday said, “The seasonal migrants were burnt to death at Gidan Bawa village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State by suspected bandits.
“The vehicle which they hired for the journey was ambushed by the bandits, who opened fire on them on Monday, around Teke village in Gidan Bawa District.
“The bandits shot at the tyres of the vehicle, it somersaulted and burst into flame. Not done, the bandits surrounded the burning vehicle to ensure none of the passengers survived.”