Bandits have slain four persons and kidnaped four others in Gorau village, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Daily Trust reported that the attack happened yesterday nite, barely six days after 65 persons were killed in a boat disaster in the town.
They also shot seven residents, who were injured and are now treated in hospital.
The bandits reportedly attacked families who were beneficiaries of the N1 million relief gift offered by the Sokoto State government for each of the relatives of victims of the boat mishap.
Confirming the attack, the village chief of Gorau, Alhaji Aliyu Magaji Na-Batsami, said the assailants went from home to house, looking for the relief money.
He said the attackers went into almost every room in his property asking where the N1 million donated to the afflicted families was kept.
“They shot 11 people. Four died on the spot while the other seven were sent to hospital for treatment. They also took four more captive.
“They came because of the money donated to the families of the victims of the recent boat mishap in our community that claimed 65 lives,” he stated.
The traditional ruler identified the four victims slain in the incident as Bashar Sani, Ila Malam Makeri, Isa Ibrahim and Ali Aminu.
He said had security officers not reacted quickly, the number of casualties may have been higher.
“We appreciate the quick response of the security operatives. They came in four cars and chased the bandits,” he said.
The incident happened just than a week after a boat transporting residents of Gorau overturned, killing 65 people, many of them youngsters, predominantly girls.
In its response to the tragedy, the state administration announced a payment of N1 million to each family of the fatalities and the distribution of grains as part of measures to provide relief to those impacted.
However, the recent occurrence has increased concerns about the vulnerability of the grieving families and the security of the relief monies supplied to them.
About the Author
