Manir Muhammad Dan’iya Calls for Urgent Action Over Sokoto Killings and Mass Abductions

By Mark Agwu · Published September 8, 2026

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has called for urgent and stronger government action following a fresh wave of killings and mass abductions in parts of the state.

Dan’iya, a former deputy governor of Sokoto State, made the call after reports of deadly attacks in Rabah Local Government Area, where several communities have reportedly come under attack by suspected bandits.

The latest violence has renewed concerns about the deteriorating security situation in rural Sokoto, with residents facing killings, kidnapping, displacement, cattle rustling and threats to their livelihoods.

Dan’iya described the attacks as evidence of what he considers a widening gap between government assurances and the experiences of residents in vulnerable communities. (Independent Newspaper Nigeria)

Fresh Attacks Raise Security Concerns

Reports surrounding the latest violence indicate that suspected bandits attacked communities in Rabah, with significant casualties and abductions reported.

According to a statement issued by Dan’iya’s media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, at least 10 people were reportedly killed and about 40 others abducted in one of the attacks in the area.

Another attack was subsequently reported in Tofa village, also in Rabah Local Government Area, where seven people were reportedly killed and 12 others abducted.

The reports have not been independently verified in full, underscoring the need for official security agencies to establish the exact casualty and abduction figures.

Dan’iya nevertheless argued that the scale and frequency of reported attacks demonstrate the seriousness of the security emergency confronting communities across Sokoto.

Dan’iya Demands Stronger Security Response

Reacting to the attacks, the ADC candidate called on the Sokoto State Government, Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities.

He argued that residents need more than official statements and assurances, calling instead for a sustained security presence, better intelligence gathering and rapid responses when communities come under attack.

Dan’iya specifically called for intelligence-led operations, improved coordination between security agencies, rescue of abducted residents and the arrest of those responsible for the attacks.

He also stressed the importance of maintaining security personnel in vulnerable areas rather than withdrawing forces after individual operations.

For the ADC candidate, the objective should be to restore enough confidence for residents to sleep in their homes, return to their farms and resume normal economic activities without fear of armed attacks. (Primetimes)

'How Many More People Must Be Killed?'

Dan’iya questioned how many more residents would have to be killed or abducted before authorities fully acknowledge the severity of Sokoto's security crisis.

His criticism reflects a broader argument he has made repeatedly in recent months that insecurity should be addressed as a humanitarian and economic crisis rather than merely as isolated incidents of banditry.

In August, Dan’iya warned that insecurity, displacement and other emergencies were taking a heavy toll on communities across the state.

He called for a comprehensive response that combines security operations with humanitarian assistance and measures to restore livelihoods. (New Telegraph)

The former deputy governor has also previously called for an overhaul of Sokoto's security architecture following deadly attacks in Tureta Local Government Area.

Rural Communities Bear the Brunt

Much of the insecurity highlighted by Dan’iya is concentrated in rural communities where residents often have limited access to immediate security protection.

In July, he raised concerns over reports that residents of communities in the Danchadi District of Bodinga Local Government Area had fled their homes because of persistent attacks.

Other reports at the time said dozens of villages had been deserted as residents sought safer locations.

Dan’iya warned that continued displacement could have serious consequences for agriculture, trade and the wider economy of Sokoto State. (Vanguard News)

For a largely agrarian population, insecurity can prevent farmers from reaching their fields, disrupt livestock activities and force families to abandon homes and businesses.

The consequences can therefore extend well beyond the immediate loss of lives.

Earlier Attacks Had Already Raised Alarm

The latest Rabah attacks are not an isolated concern.

In early September, the Sokoto State Police Command reportedly confirmed that five people were killed and three others injured during attacks on Girkau and neighbouring communities in Kebbe Local Government Area.

Residents also reported abductions and cattle rustling in the aftermath of the attacks.

Earlier, residents of Kebbe were reportedly threatened with a ₦40 million levy, with alleged threats of violence if the demand was not met.

The incidents prompted renewed calls for security agencies to strengthen protection for communities facing criminal groups.

Political Dispute Over Sokoto's Security Situation

Dan’iya's criticism has also become part of a wider political debate over the security situation in Sokoto.

Earlier in September, he criticised comments attributed to Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule after Sule travelled from Sokoto metropolis to Silame without encountering bandits.

Dan’iya argued that one uneventful journey could not be used to determine whether residents across the state were safe.

He said the experiences of communities affected by killings, kidnappings and displacement should also be considered when assessing the security situation.

The Sokoto State Government, however, has cautioned opposition politicians against politicising insecurity.

The government's Special Adviser on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd.), said the fight against banditry requires collective action and should not be reduced to partisan disputes. He said authorities and security agencies were taking reported threats seriously and working to assess and prevent attacks.

Dan’iya Says Security Must Come Before Politics

Despite the political disagreement, Dan’iya has maintained that the protection of lives and property should take precedence over political considerations.

He has called for cooperation between the Federal Government, Sokoto State Government, military, police, civil defence authorities and local communities.

His proposed approach includes stronger intelligence gathering, better coordination among security agencies, direct engagement with affected communities and sustained operations against criminal networks.

He has also argued that displaced residents should be supported in returning to their communities once adequate security is restored.

A Growing Humanitarian and Economic Crisis

The security situation has consequences beyond the immediate danger of attacks.

Repeated killings and abductions can discourage investment, disrupt education, restrict farming and trading activities, and deepen poverty.

Families affected by kidnapping may also face financial pressure from ransom demands, while communities that abandon their homes can lose access to farms, livestock and other sources of income.

Dan’iya has therefore described the situation as both a security and humanitarian emergency, arguing that government intervention should address not only the armed groups responsible for violence but also the needs of victims and displaced families.

The Road Ahead

The latest calls from Manir Muhammad Dan’iya come as pressure grows on authorities to demonstrate measurable progress against banditry and kidnapping in Sokoto.

The immediate priorities are clear: protect vulnerable communities, rescue abducted residents, prevent further attacks and bring perpetrators to justice.

Beyond military and police operations, authorities will also need to address displacement, agricultural disruption and the economic consequences of prolonged insecurity.

For residents of affected communities, the ultimate measure of government action will not be political statements but whether they can live, farm, travel and conduct business without fear.

As Dan’iya's latest intervention shows, the continuing violence has placed security firmly at the centre of the political debate ahead of the 2027 elections. But for families facing the immediate consequences of killings and abductions, the demand is more immediate: effective protection and action now.