A deadly attack by suspected bandits in Kware town, the headquarters of Kware Local Government Area in Sokoto State, left the community in panic and devastation on Saturday night.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers stormed the town in large numbers, firing indiscriminately to scatter traders and buyers before setting the popular Kware Market on fire.
One person was confirmed dead, while several others sustained critical injuries and are currently receiving medical attention in a facility in Sokoto metropolis.
According to Vanguard, one Malam Zaharadeen Kware, a local resident and eyewitness, shared that the attackers seemed to have specifically targeted a shop owned by a prominent businessman, whose identity remains undisclosed.
Fortunately, the shop owner had already closed for the day before the bandits arrived. However, they proceeded to set his shop and the entire market on fire.
Kware, located along the Sokoto-Illela Road, has long been troubled by insecurity, and there is growing suspicion that the town harbors informants who assist criminal groups. This belief has gained strength in the wake of the well-coordinated attack.
The town, which is also the birthplace of Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan Iya, a former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, has endured several attacks over the years.
However, residents have described this latest assault as one of the most devastating, resulting in extensive damage to property and livelihoods.
Security forces have been deployed to the area, but no arrests have been made at press time.
