Taiwo Popoola
Troops neutralised several suspected bandits on Monday as they intervened to rescue traders who were ambushed along the Tarah-Karawa route in Sabon Birni local government area of Sokoto State.
The gunmen attacked the traders on their way from Tarah village to the weekly market in Sabon Birni at Kwanan Akimbo around 8:00 am on Monday.
The soldiers said to have stationed in Kurawa town responded swiftly after hearing gunshots, engaging the attackers in a gun duel that lasted nearly an hour.
The army engaged them in a fierce battle, while the bandits later retreated and fled to their enclave across the stream.
Nine bodies of slain bandits were recovered in the area, and another four were found in the nearby bush and along the stream.
The soldiers also recovered several weapons and motorcycles and took them to Kurawa, while two civilians sustained injuries and were receiving treatment in a hospital, but all the traders were rescued unharmed.
A source explained that there were no casualties on the side of the army.
He explained that communities in Kurawa and neighbouring villages were celebrating the successful operation.
The member representing Sabon Birni in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Aminu Boza, who confirmed the incident, stated that at least nine bodies believed to be those of the attackers had been recovered, adding that more searches were ongoing.
He said, “A lot of weapons and motorcycles were recovered from them. I hope our army will sustain this tempo.”
The latest incident comes barely a day after bandits attacked Gatawa and Shalla villages in Sabon Birni and Isa local government areas, killing seven people and abducting several women.
