Gunmen believed to be loyal to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji have attacked a rural community in Sokoto State and abducted about 20 residents. The attackers reportedly stormed the village late at night, firing shots into the air and forcing people out of their homes before taking them away. The incident has left the community in fear and confusion.

Residents said the bandits moved from house to house, picking mostly young men and women. Many families are still trying to confirm the exact number of those taken, as some people ran into nearby bushes to escape. Those who could not flee were seized and marched into the surrounding forest.

Local leaders have called on security agencies to act quickly and rescue the abducted victims. They warned that repeated attacks like this are making rural life unbearable, forcing people to abandon their farms, homes, and businesses for safety. Community members say they feel unprotected and vulnerable.

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been released by security authorities on the incident. However, residents are hopeful that with urgent intervention, the abducted villagers will be rescued and peace restored to the area.