Sokoto attacks: Death toll rises to 39

The death toll in the recent attacks in Sokoto state has risen to 39, Aminu Tambuwal, governor of Sokoto state, has said.

The attacks occurred in Rabah local government area of the state.

The governor said more bodies had been recovered after 32 were buried, adding that security personnel had been mobilised for constant patrol of the areas.

Tambuwal, while receiving six governors on a condolence visit, said such mass killing was happening in Sokoto for the first time.

“Currently, there are three Internally displaced persons camps comprising more than 10,000 people in the affected areas,” he said.

Abdulaziz Yari, Zamfara state governor, who led the condolence visit, said leaders will cooperate to check killings and destruction of properties around the country.

Yari described the incident as worrisome, adding that Sokoto state enjoyed relative peace in spite of the fact that it shares boundary with some areas experiencing problems in Zamfara.

“We were in Plateau 10 days ago and now in Sokoto for the same condolence, which signified that drastic measures were needed to stop this menace,” he said.

“As leaders, we must stand up to our responsibilities, being that most of us here are affected.

“We are losing loved ones, property and many being injured all over the affected places.

“We need to look inward because the crime is a chain that must be stamped out. As leaders, we must cooperate and evolve measures to tackle the situation.”

Badaru Abubakar, governor of Jigawa, led the gathering in prayer for the deceased and quick recovery for the injured.

Other governors in attendance were Aminu Masari (Katsina), Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa), Abubakar Bello (Niger) and Kashim Shettima of Borno.

Ahmad Abdulkadir, Sokoto state deputy governor and Sadiq Achida, Sokoto state chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as APC chieftain, Umarun Kwabo, were also present.