Under the cloak of darkness on Friday, November 17, Bakin Gulbi village in Wamakko local government, Sokoto, witnessed an abrupt disruption. Serenity crumbled as gunmen launched a brazen attack, plunging the community into an unsettling abyss.
On that fateful night, 21-year-old Usman Lawal found himself fleeing to save his dear life before the tranquility of his family compound completely succumbed to chaos. The sudden eruption of gunfire compelled Usman to dash to safety — escaping the lurking danger that would later claim his life.
Jumai Lawal, Usman’s grieving mother, recounted the tragic events to this reporter, revealing the heart-wrenching details of her son’s demise.
“Usman was outside, enjoying the night with friends when, unexpectedly, the piercing sound of gunshots shattered the calm. In a bid for safety, they all scattered. However, in the aftermath of the attack, we discovered Usman’s lifeless body shot in the head by the roadside as a victim of the gunshot,” she recounted bitterly.
Three more lives shattered by gunfire
Isa Abdullahi, 25, also fell victim to a gunshot wound in his shoulder. Isa recounted the harrowing experience, revealing that the unidentified gunmen infiltrated the village undetected for several minutes, before their presence was noticed by the villagers.
In a bid to protect their community, he and his friends swiftly gathered stones and hurled them at the assailants. However, the attempt to deter the attackers proved futile. Instead, they were greeted with gunfire.
“We were all sitting, enjoying ourselves outside when we saw the gunmen, but we thought throwing stones could scare them, not until they began shooting,” Abdullahi explained. “We all ran away, but unfortunately, the bullet hit me in my shoulder.”
The repercussions of the attack extended beyond personal injuries, as a nearby shop became a target for theft. Abdullahi reported, “Not only that, a shop beside where we were sitting was open, and all phones that people brought to charge were carted away.”
The tragic incident didn’t spare Salmanu Salihu, a 22-year-old resident of Bakin Gulbi village. He was a victim of ill-luck. While escorting his mother across the village river to a safer location during the attack, Salmanu noticed that his mother was inadequately covered.
Determined to remedy the situation, he ventured back to retrieve a cloth for her. Tragically, in the midst of returning to his mother’s hiding place, he fell victim to a gunshot — sustaining an injury to his leg.
Meanwhile, Kabiru Bello, the last victim injured, is said to be in a critical condition after being shot in both legs. He is currently receiving treatment at Wanako Hospital.
Not the first attack — Bakin Gulbi village head
Bello Aliyu Magaji, 35, who is the village head told this Reporter how the harrowing incident had also transpired eight months ago, when the village first fell victim to an attack by unidentified gunmen.
According to him, the vulnerability of the villagers was palpable, adding that desperation gripped his people during these trying times.
“Our lives are at risk; this is not the first time we’ve faced such a threat. Eight months ago, we experienced a similar situation with unknown gunmen. Faced with desperation, the villagers resorted to defending themselves by hurling stones, as we found ourselves without any assistance or saviors,” he lamented.
We were informed late — Police
In an interview with Abubakar Muhammad, a Police officer at the Dundaye House station, a neighbouring village within the Wamakko local government, explained how a call came in from the village two hours after the attack. He added that despite diligent efforts, the police officers were unable to apprehend the suspects.
He said, “We were informed late, around 12:00 pm. The officers attempted to trace the suspects, but all efforts proved abortive due to delayed and insufficient information at the time.”
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