Residents of Kalanjeni village in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State were thrown into panic on Tuesday after armed bandits invaded the community in broad daylight, narrowly missing the local council chairman, Isah Kalanjeni.
According to reports, the chairman—who had previously served two terms in the National Assembly—had left his home just minutes before the attackers arrived.
His unplanned departure is believed to have spared him from a potential abduction or worse.
Eyewitnesses described the attack as terrifying, with dozens of armed bandits storming the village on over 30 motorcycles, shooting sporadically into the air.
“It felt like something out of a movie,” a resident said, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal.
“They were everywhere, and everyone ran. We are just grateful the chairman wasn’t caught in it.”
Sources close to the chairman confirmed that his exit from the area was unplanned and spontaneous. For safety reasons, his current location remains undisclosed.
Located less than 40 kilometers from the state capital, Kalanjeni is one of many communities in Sokoto State facing an ongoing threat from banditry.
Tangaza, in particular, is among 13 local government areas grappling with frequent incidents of kidnapping, arson, and livestock theft.
After failing to locate the chairman, the attackers reportedly turned on the villagers, looting properties and stealing dozens of cattle and goats.
“They left us with nothing,” lamented Mallam Abdullahi, a herder whose livestock was taken during the raid.
Despite placing multiple distress calls to security agencies, villagers say help arrived too late.
“We keep alerting the authorities, but no one comes until after the damage is done,” said a local youth leader. “Are we not Nigerians too?”
The incident has reignited calls for urgent government intervention. Community leaders and civil society groups are urging both state and federal governments to declare a state of emergency in areas affected by the rising insecurity.
Confirming the attack, spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, Ahmad Rufa’i, said operatives along with the military engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat and abandon much of the stolen livestock. “Investigations are ongoing,” he added.
Meanwhile, fear still grips Kalanjeni, with many families now seeking refuge in nearby towns.
Local mosques and schools have been converted into temporary shelters, and residents have begun organizing night patrols to protect themselves.
“We are tired. We just want peace. We want to live,” an elderly woman from the village said tearfully.
