No fewer than seven people were killed and several others abducted when suspected bandits invaded Tsamaye community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Tuesday night.

Among those killed were three worshippers reportedly shot inside a mosque during the attack, while the assailants also rustled livestock, looted homes and shops, and set properties ablaze.

Residents said the gunmen stormed the village at about 8:30 p.m. and remained there until around 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, unleashing terror on the community for more than six hours.

An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers first surrounded security operatives stationed in the area, opening fire on them and preventing them from responding while other members of the gang moved through the village abducting residents and stealing valuables.

According to the source, the bodies of seven victims were recovered after the attackers fled, adding that three of those killed were attacked inside a mosque during the Isha'i prayer. He noted that five of the victims were internally displaced persons who had sought refuge in the community after fleeing repeated bandit attacks in neighbouring villages.

The witness further disclosed that the gunmen looted several shops, burnt two of them, set a vehicle ablaze and carted away an unspecified number of livestock.

He said the exact number of abducted residents could not be immediately confirmed as many villagers escaped into nearby bushes during the assault. However, he added that at least three abductions had been verified after relatives contacted the victims' phone numbers and the bandits reportedly answered, confirming the victims were in their custody.

The resident also explained that the security personnel deployed to the community were caught off guard by the attack, allowing the gunmen to surround their position and prevent them from intervening.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said the command was aware of the attack but was still awaiting detailed reports.

“We are aware of the incident but we are yet to get full details as we await it,” Rufai said.