At least 13 people have been killed following a fresh wave of attacks by suspected bandits on several communities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The attacks, which occurred between Thursday evening and Friday morning, claimed six lives in Mazau village, four in Turtsawa, including two women, and three farmers in Tsamaye village.

Residents said the gunmen initially attempted to invade Unguwan Lalle on Thursday evening but were repelled by a joint team of military personnel and local vigilantes after a fierce gun battle that lasted several hours.

Following the failed invasion, the attackers reportedly stormed Mazau village, where they killed six residents before proceeding to Turtsawa and killing four others.

The bandits returned on Friday morning and allegedly ambushed farmers heading to their farms in Tsamaye village, killing three of them.

Residents also said the gunmen attempted another attack during the burial of the victims, but security operatives responded swiftly and forced them to retreat.

A community leader confirmed the attacks, describing them as part of renewed bandit activities in the area. He also disclosed that three farmers were abducted in Fadaman Sabon Birni on Wednesday.

Efforts to obtain comments from the lawmakers representing Sabon Birni in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Boza and Hon. Sa’idu Ibrahim, were unsuccessful.

The spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said he had yet to receive an official briefing on the incident but assured that he would obtain details from the Divisional Police Officer in the area. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.