By Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
Tension has gripped Sifawa community in Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State after suspected bandits were sighted moving a large herd of cattle through the area in broad daylight on Wednesday.
The development has raised fears among residents and farming communities over a possible security threat, as troops deployed to the Sifawa axis reportedly engaged the suspected bandits in a fierce gun battle.
A security source, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent, said the cattle were allegedly rustled from Dandin Mahe and Badau villages in Shagari and Bodinga local government areas.
According to the source, the military contingent operating from Sifawa was still engaged in the confrontation with the suspected bandits as of the time of filing this report.
The development has heightened anxiety among residents, particularly farmers whose communities are located close to the operational area.
The source said public announcements were being made in affected communities, directing farmers whose millet farms are located along the frontline to immediately harvest their crops and vacate areas considered vulnerable to the ongoing military operation.
The directive, according to the source, was a precautionary measure aimed at preventing farmers from being caught in the crossfire as security forces intensify efforts to repel the suspected bandits.
Residents have been advised to remain vigilant, avoid the operational area and comply with all security instructions issued by the authorities.
The spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Wednesday.
Rufai said the command had mobilised combat-ready personnel to support the military in the operation against the suspected bandits.
He added that the command had also taken measures to strengthen security in Sokoto metropolis and its environs.
The police spokesperson promised to provide further details as the situation develops.
The identity and number of the suspected bandits involved could not be immediately established. There was also no official information on casualties or the outcome of the ongoing operation as of the time of filing this report.
The situation remains fluid, with security forces reportedly continuing their operations in the area.
Sifawa, located about 20 kilometres from Sokoto, the state capital, is an important community in Bodinga LGA and serves as a gateway to several farming settlements.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over the activities of suspected bandit groups in rural parts of Sokoto State, where difficult terrain and extensive farmlands have continued to pose security challenges.
Residents have been urged to remain calm but vigilant while security agencies work to contain the situation.
More details to come soon
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