Bandits attack community near Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto

Armed bandits attacked the Gidan Asarki settlement near Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUS) in Sokoto State on the night of Sunday, October 25, 2026. During the raid, gunmen shot a resident, Malam Shehu Muhammad, in the leg. He is currently receiving medical treatment.

The assailants also stole 28 cattle belonging to Muhammad and his son, Mustapha Shehu. Residents reported that the attackers threatened the community and specifically demanded that students living in the area be brought out.

The timing of the attack coincided with a university holiday, which residents noted may have prevented more significant student abductions. The incident has renewed security concerns regarding the safety of settlements surrounding tertiary institutions in Sokoto State, following previous warnings from the Department of State Services regarding potential attacks on such institutions.