The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of over ten worshippers by suspected terrorists during the early morning (Subhi) Muslim prayers in Bushe, a community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, located in the eastern senatorial district of Sokoto State.
The horrifying attack occurred in the early hours of Thursday, January 6, 2025, when armed assailants stormed the mosque and forcefully seized worshippers, including the Imam. The incident has further heightened fears in the region, which has been plagued by recurring security threats.
Confirming the attack, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, told Vanguard Newspaper in a telephone interview that security operatives are working tirelessly to rescue the abducted individuals. “The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, have launched an immediate response to track down the terrorists and ensure the safe return of the victims,” Rufai stated.
Local sources revealed that the gunmen had been terrorizing the community for a prolonged period, despite the presence of security personnel in the area. However, Thursday’s attack took a new turn, as the criminals brazenly targeted worshippers in a sacred place of prayer.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, lamented the constant fear that has gripped the community, stating, “We no longer feel safe, even in our mosques. These criminals strike at will, and we live in constant terror.”
The lawmaker representing Sabon Birni B State Constituency in the Sokoto State House of Assembly also confirmed the incident, acknowledging that at least ten individuals were taken. He praised the swift response of security agencies, particularly Nigerian Army troops, who intervened to prevent further devastation.
As Sokoto State and the nation at large grapple with the worsening insecurity, residents of Bushe and surrounding areas are calling on the government to take decisive action against criminal elements holding communities hostage. Meanwhile, the whereabouts of the abducted worshippers remain unknown, as security forces intensify their search and rescue operations.
This latest attack underscores the growing threat of banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s northern region, raising urgent questions about the effectiveness of current security strategies and the need for more proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities.
PIONEER NEWS 