Bandits kill one, abduct several others in Sokoto mosque attack

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 - Armed bandits attacked a mosque in Marnona village in Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State, k!lling one worshiper and abducting several others, during morning prayers. 

It was gathered that the attackers, reportedly armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the mosque in the early hours of Sunday, August 10, 2025. and opened fire indiscriminately on worshipers, sending the community into panic. 

The victim identified as Alhaji Shu'aibu Marnona was laid to rest on Monday. 

The Sokoto State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Isah Achida, confirmed the incident on Tuesday. 

He condemned the assault, describing it as “barbaric” and “an act of cowardice.

“Targeting innocent worshipers in a sacred place is a direct attack on our humanity and our faith. The perpetrators must be brought to justice, and our people must remain united to defeat this menace,” Achida said.

Achida assured residents that the state government, in collaboration with security agencies, is working to curb banditry across Sokoto, while expressing sympathy to the bereaved families and wishing the injured a swift recovery.

Security sources believe the assailants may have come from camps hidden in the forests bordering Sokoto and Zamfara states, notorious for harbouring armed groups.

The attackers fled before security operatives arrived at the scene.

Police spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the command has launched an investigation and will issue a detailed statement soon.