At least 12 killed, women and children abducted in armed attack on Nigerian village

Armed men attacked Lajinge village in Nigeria's Sokoto state overnight on August 1-2, 2026, killing at least 12 people, including six family members who burned to death. The attackers also injured four people, abducted women and children, and stole livestock. The incident, which is under police investigation, follows a recent attack in neighboring Zamfara state where bandits killed 24 farmers, highlighting the ongoing regional threat of banditry.

Lajinge village attack

• ▪Attackers set fire to a house in Lajinge, Sokoto state, causing six members of one family to burn to death.
• ▪Armed men attacked the village of Lajinge in Nigeria's northwestern Sokoto state starting around 11 p.m. on August 1, 2026, and lasting until about 3 a.m. on August 2, 2026.

Northwestern Nigeria banditry

• ▪Bandits killed at least 24 farmers in Zamfara state, which neighbors Sokoto state, approximately one week prior to the August 2, 2026 attack.
• ▪Northwestern Nigeria has experienced frequent attacks by heavily armed gangs, known as bandits, who raid villages, kidnap residents for ransom, and steal livestock.

Attack death toll

• ▪Four people were injured during the armed attack on Lajinge village on August 1-2, 2026.
• ▪The armed attack on Lajinge village on August 1-2, 2026, resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people.

Women and children abducted

• ▪Armed attackers abducted women and children from Lajinge village during the night attack on August 1-2, 2026.
• ▪Attackers rustled numerous livestock from Lajinge village during the night attack on August 1-2, 2026.

Police investigation

• ▪Sokoto State police spokesperson Ahmed Rufai stated that police are investigating the murders and abductions in Lajinge village.
• ▪Sokoto State police force spokesperson Ahmed Rufai announced that the police would provide updates on the Lajinge investigation at a later time.