At least 22 people, including the Chief Imam of Ungushi Izala Jumu’at Mosque, Imam Aliyu, have been killed by suspected bandits in Ungushi community, Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The victims were reportedly killed during an attack on the community on Sunday evening, leaving residents in fear and raising fresh concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the area.

Sources from the community said the attackers stormed Ungushi and opened fire on residents, killing several people, including the Islamic cleric.

The killing of Imam Aliyu has generated particular concern among residents, who described him as a respected religious leader and a prominent member of the community.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the latest attack had left residents devastated.

“We are tired of burying our people. These are innocent residents who are only trying to survive. Even our Imam was not spared,” the resident said.

Another resident appealed to the government and security agencies to urgently reinforce security in Ungushi and neighbouring communities.

“People are living in fear. Farmers cannot safely access their farms, while families are afraid to remain in their homes. We need security personnel to protect us before more people are killed,” he said.

The latest incident comes amid renewed security threats in Kebbe LGA, with several communities reportedly experiencing attacks, cattle rustling and displacement in recent weeks.

On Sunday, reports also emerged that residents fleeing Ungushi had arrived in Kebbe town following the deteriorating security situation. Women, children and elderly people were reportedly among those displaced, with some said to have spent the night in the rain after abandoning their homes.

Local sources also reported that armed men had rustled more than 300 cattle and seven camels from Ungushi and neighbouring Gwandi, while several men were said to have fled the communities.

The development comes only days after reports of a large-scale attack allegedly involving members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in parts of Kebbe.

The Sokoto State Police Command had confirmed an incident in the area but said it was still gathering information before issuing a comprehensive statement.

The worsening situation has prompted renewed military attention to Kebbe.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, on Sunday visited the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Kebbe, to assess the security situation and operational readiness of troops following the renewed threats.

The visit was aimed at assessing the security situation on the ground and strengthening the military response to threats posed by terrorist groups operating in the area.

Residents, however, said more needed to be done to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among communities.

A community leader said the continued violence was gradually forcing residents away from their ancestral homes.

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“We are losing people and livelihoods. If urgent action is not taken, more villages may be deserted. The government must protect these communities and allow people to return to their farms and homes,” he said.

The killing of Imam Aliyu has also renewed concerns over the indiscriminate nature of bandit attacks in the region, with residents noting that farmers, traders, children and religious leaders continue to fall victim to the violence.

“How many more people must die before these communities receive the protection they desperately need?” another resident asked.