A violent attack by suspected bandits in Kware town, the administrative center of Kware Local Government Area in Sokoto State, sent shockwaves through the community on Saturday night.
According to eyewitness accounts, a large group of attackers descended on the town, firing their weapons indiscriminately to scatter both traders and shoppers.
They then set fire to the well-known Kware Market, leaving behind chaos and destruction.
One person was confirmed dead, while several others sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment in a medical facility in Sokoto city.
Malam Zaharadeen Kware, a local resident who witnessed the incident, reported to Vanguard that the attackers appeared to have specifically targeted a shop owned by a well-known businessman, though his identity has not been revealed.
Fortunately, the shop owner had already closed for the day, avoiding harm.
Despite this, the bandits went on to set both the shop and the entire market ablaze.
Kware, situated along the Sokoto-Illela Road, has long struggled with security issues.
There are growing suspicions that some residents may be providing assistance to criminal groups, particularly following the sophistication of this latest attack.
The town, which is also the birthplace of Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan Iya, a former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, has been the target of several assaults in the past.
However, residents have described this particular attack as one of the most devastating, with significant damage to both property and livelihoods.
Security forces have been deployed to the area, but as of the latest reports, no arrests have been made.
