A wave of terror swept through Sokoto State over the weekend as suspected Lakurawa terrorists launched a brutal assault on Ungushi community in Kebbe Local Government Area, leaving scores dead, homes destroyed and thousands displaced in one of the deadliest attacks recorded in the area this year.

Amid the carnage, enraged villagers reportedly fought back and killed at least 13 of the attackers during a fierce gun battle that lasted for hours.

Local sources said no fewer than 32 residents and four soldiers lost their lives in the coordinated onslaught, which unfolded over two days and plunged several communities into fear and uncertainty.

The attack reportedly began shortly after Friday congregational prayers when dozens of armed men riding motorcycles stormed Ungushi at about 2:15 p.m., forcing worshippers to flee before opening fire on residents.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen initially killed five people before withdrawing from the village. However, the attackers later returned in larger numbers, encircled the community and unleashed a sustained barrage of gunfire that continued into the early hours of Saturday.

A community leader who participated in the burial of victims disclosed that residents recovered 32 bodies from different parts of the village following the attack.

He said local vigilantes and residents mounted resistance during the invasion, killing at least 13 members of the terrorist group despite being heavily outgunned.

According to survivors, the attackers reportedly ordered their fighters to kill every adult male they encountered while sparing women and children.

The gunmen were also said to have targeted residents who sought refuge on nearby hills, firing at those attempting to escape the violence.

Beyond the loss of lives, the assailants left a trail of destruction, setting ablaze seven houses, two shops and three vehicles. However, residents said a heavy downpour helped prevent the flames from spreading further across the community.

The violence quickly spread beyond Ungushi as the attackers reportedly raided neighboring communities, including Umbutu, Maikurhuna, Gwandi, Girkau and Zugu.

Although no deaths were recorded in those villages, residents said the terrorists carted away large numbers of livestock and valuables during the raids.

Community members linked the renewed attacks to an earlier confrontation that reportedly claimed the lives of four soldiers on Friday, suggesting that the terrorists intensified their operations shortly afterward.

The bloodshed has triggered a humanitarian crisis, forcing thousands of residents to abandon their homes and seek safety in Kebbe, Jega, Koko, Tambuwal, Aleiro and other towns across Sokoto and neighboring Kebbi State.

Advertisement

Poor telecommunications services in many affected areas have further complicated rescue efforts and communication with displaced families.

In response to the attacks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Bemgha Paul Koughna, led a security assessment mission to Kebbe on Sunday.

The military chief announced plans to overhaul security arrangements in border communities vulnerable to terrorist incursions, while troops intensified operations against the Lakurawa group believed to be behind the attacks.

The Sokoto State Police Command also confirmed the deployment of additional personnel to affected communities as security agencies seek to prevent further violence.

As grief and anger spread across the state, former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, condemned the killings and accused the Federal Government of failing to adequately protect Nigerians.

Reacting to the massacre on Monday, Atiku expressed sympathy to the bereaved families and the people of Sokoto State but argued that official condolences alone could no longer address the worsening security crisis.

The former vice president said the repeated loss of innocent lives across the country had become alarming and demanded urgent action from authorities.

“Condolences are no longer enough,” he declared, questioning how many more Nigerians must die before security challenges are treated as a national emergency.

Atiku warned against normalising mass killings through routine statements of sympathy, insisting that government must demonstrate a stronger commitment to safeguarding lives.

He called for improved intelligence gathering, enhanced protection for vulnerable communities and the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the latest killings.

“The first responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property,” he said, stressing that Nigerians deserve more than explanations and excuses whenever tragedies occur.

With entire communities emptied, dozens buried and many families still searching for missing relatives, residents say the scars of the Ungushi massacre may linger long after the gunfire has fallen silent.