Islamic Cleric Seen Carrying Pump-Action G¥n While Leading Congregation Amid Rising Bandits Att∆cks
Islamic Cleric Seen Carrying Pump-Action Gun While Leading Congregation Amid Rising Bandits Attacks
The circumstances surrounding the video, including the identity of the cleric and the exact location where it was recorded, could not be independently verified by SaharaReporters.
An Islamic cleric has been seen carrying a pump-action gun while moving with members of his congregation in Sokoto State, amid worsening insecurity and repeated attacks by armed groups in the state.
The incident was captured in a viral video shared on X by D English Alhaji Media.
In the video, the cleric, dressed in Islamic attire, is seen carrying what appears to be a pump-action firearm while walking alongside members of his congregation.
The circumstances surrounding the video, including the identity of the cleric and the exact location where it was recorded, could not be independently verified by SaharaReporters.
The development comes amid renewed attacks on communities in parts of Sokoto State, with residents increasingly facing threats from armed bandits and kidnappers.
The latest incident has also raised concerns about the extent to which insecurity is forcing residents, including religious leaders, to resort to carrying firearms for protection.
SaharaReporters had reported that at least five people were killed and several others abducted after armed bandits simultaneously attacked three communities in Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The affected communities were Dinawa, Munƙi and Gidan Dare.
Community sources said the attackers invaded the communities on Tuesday night during heavy rainfall, taking advantage of the situation to move through residential areas while residents sought shelter from the rain.
A source said the attack on Dinawa began at about 10:30pm, with the attackers allegedly moving from house to house, stealing valuables and destroying property.
“They came when the rain was very heavy. People were inside their houses trying to protect themselves from the rain when the bandits started moving from house to house,” the source said.
Another source said five residents were killed while an unspecified number of people were abducted.
“Five people were killed. Some others were taken away by the bandits, but we cannot give the exact number yet because many families are still trying to account for their loved ones,” the source said.
The attackers also reportedly rustled cattle and stole valuables in Munƙi and Gidan Dare.
The attacks have heightened anxiety among residents, particularly those living in rural communities who have repeatedly been targeted by armed groups.
The sighting of the armed cleric comes against this backdrop, highlighting the growing fear among residents as security challenges continue to affect daily life in parts of Sokoto State.
