Bandits struck Marnona village in Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State in the early hours of Sunday, killing one worshiper and abducting several others during morning prayers.

The attackers, reportedly armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the mosque at dawn and opened fire indiscriminately on worshipers, sending the community into panic.

Residents fled in fear as gunshots echoed across the village.

Confirming the incident, the Sokoto State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Isah Achida, condemned the assault as “barbaric” and “an act of cowardice.”

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“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.

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The attackers fled before security operatives arrived at the scene.

The incident adds to a string of violent attacks in Sokoto East, where communities have repeatedly suffered raids, kidnappings, and killings in recent months.

Locals have been calling for greater military presence and coordinated operations to restore peace.

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

Meanwhile, tension remains high in Marnona and surrounding villages as security patrols intensify and local vigilante groups join forces with law enforcement to guard against further attacks.

For now, villagers are left counting their losses, their prayers disrupted by the growing shadow of insecurity that hangs over Sokoto’s rural communities.

Sixteen inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, in the early hours of Tuesday after breaching the facility’s security.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Umar Abubakar, the inmates reportedly overpowered personnel on duty during the breakout.

Five officers were injured in the incident, with two currently in serious condition and receiving treatment at a government hospital.

Seven of the escaped inmates have since been recaptured, while efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the remaining nine.

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“The Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to inform the general public of an incident that occurred in the early hours of today, 12th August 2025, at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State.

“Some inmates breached the security of the facility and attacked personnel on duty to compromise the situation, enabling 16 inmates to escape custody.

“In the course of containing the situation, five personnel of the Custodial Centre sustained varying degrees of injury, with two currently serious and receiving urgent medical attention at a government health facility.

“Seven of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured and are now in custody,” Abubakar stated.

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The statement also confirmed that the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, visited the facility following the incident and has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape.

Nwakuche stated that any staff found complicit in the escape would face disciplinary action.

He also directed a coordinated manhunt for the fleeing inmates, working closely with other security agencies.

Authorities have urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity or sightings of the escapees to the nearest security post.

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“The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, has visited the facility and has ordered a thorough investigation into the escape. He said no staff will be spared if found culpable.

“Furthermore, he has directed an immediate search to recapture the fleeing inmates in collaboration with sister security agencies.

“Members of the public are hereby urged to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or sightings of fleeing inmates to the nearest security formation.

“While preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape, the Service reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to public safety and the security of all custodial facilities nationwide,” the statement noted.

Youths from Ukala, Ezi, Ebu, and communities of Oshimili North and Aniocha North Local Government Areas of Delta State on Tuesday took to the streets of Asaba, down to Government House to register their grievances over the abandoned Ukala-Ezi-Ebu Road.

The youth who carried placards of different inscriptions like “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, fix our road,” “We are losing millions of naira as a result of the abandoned Ukala-Ezi-Ebu road,” “Our road is a death trap,” among others, were prevented from protesting at the Government House gate.

It was observed that the protesters were blocked at the popular Inter-bua roundabout by the security agencies despite an earlier notice of protest.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, the Convener, Concerned Youth for Good Governance, Mr Henry Mojume, said for years, the people of Ukala-Okwute-Ezi-Ebu-Okpunor communities have suffered from the complete neglect of this critical road.

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“This route is a major lifeline that connects our communities to market, schools, health centers, and other essential services in Delta State.

“As I speak to you, farmers cannot transport their produce efficiently, leading to losses and food wastage.

“The bad condition of the Delta road has made it a hazard and also a haven for criminal activities.

“Our protest today is peaceful and rooted in the principle of constructive engagement. We cannot remain silent while our people suffer daily due to this neglect.

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“Our demand is that the government should immediately mobilise contractors to resume and complete the Ukala-Okwute-Ezi-Ebu-Ukala Okpunor road construction without further delay,” he said.

The Chief of Staff, Government House, Asaba, Mr Johnson Erijo, who came to the inter-bua roundabout to address the protesters, thanked them for the peaceful protest.

“Firstly, I want to thank you for the peaceful protest on the bad state of the Ukala-Okwute- Ezi-Ebu- Ukala Okpunor road. We trust that the governor will pay attention to the road affecting several communities.

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“I urge you to remain peaceful and supportive of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration.

“We have taken note of this meaningful engagement. Before you came, your local government chairman and his Aniocha North counterpart had already told us the state of the road.

“No government will want its citizens to suffer. This administration is desirous of ensuring meaningful infrastructural development across the state, the governor is working tirelessly to ensure they every part of the state is developed in line with the MORE Agenda,” he appealed.
(PUNCH)