The buses carrying Sokoto State Pilgrims from Isa Local Government were attacked by Bandits in the later part of Monday.
The attacked travelers join the list of many other Muslims going on a Holy Pilgrimage from Sokoto State. The Muslim faithfuls are on their way to perform their Hajj in Saudi Arabia anytime soon.
A Sokoto Metropolis-based source, Salihu Mustapha confirms that some Gunmen attacked the Convoy. Adding that the Bandits shot at the buses containing the travelers. In response, the Mobile Policemen (Mopol) accompanying the buses returned fire thereby repelling the attack.
Furthermore, the assault was said to have taken place in the Gundumi area. People know this area for its thick forest, and how bandits use it as a cover when attacking people.
Authorities acknowledge the Bandits’ attack
The Governor’s office has in an announcement through its spokesperson, Muhammad Bello acknowledged the assault. According to him, the pilgrims’ convoy was ambushed on its way to the state capital where it would eventually move. Similarly, the statement also indicates that none of the travelers got hurt during the rescue.
Mr. Bello also quotes the State Commissioner of Information, Isah Bajini-Galadanchi’s assurance of the pilgrims’ safety. Despite the delays from gunmen in the Eastern part of the state, the Pilgrims and their families, alongside the security personnel arrived in Sokoto safely.
Additionally, the Government officials accepted and processed the group to enable them to proceed with their pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
However, Shehu Dange, The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Board’s Executive Secretary too acknowledges the attack, while speaking to reporters. Yet, he didn’t provide more information about the attack.
Sokoto is among the list of states in the northern part of Nigeria currently experiencing endless attacks from gunmen. People popularly address the gunmen as bandits. Some of the things they do includes, killing victims, kidnapping others for ransom, and even cattle rustling.
