The Chairman of Rabah Local Government Area in Sokoto State, Alhaji Yusuf Mohammed Rabah, has dismissed a report by Sahara Reporters alleging that several residents were killed during a bandit attack on Tofa Village earlier this week.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Chairman clarified that while bandits invaded Tofa around midnight on Wednesday, no deaths were recorded during the incident.
According to him, the attackers—suspected to have originated from Alikiru in the Sububu Forest area of Maradun Local Government in Zamfara State—moved through Dankare and Dalijan communities before storming Tofa, where they began shooting sporadically.
He explained that security forces, including the Army, Police, Community Guard Corps, and local vigilantes, quickly mobilized and engaged the assailants in a fierce gun battle. During the exchange, two villagers sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to a hospital.
“One of the victims has been discharged, while the other is still undergoing treatment due to the severity of the injury,” the Chairman said, adding that the council is paying all medical bills.
Alhaji Yusuf also confirmed that two women initially reported missing were later verified to have been abducted. The bandits, however, abandoned livestock they had rustled earlier, following intense firepower from security operatives.
He strongly refuted Sahara Reporters’ claim that “many people were killed and abducted,” describing the publication as false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary tension.
The Chairman commended the military, police, community guards, and vigilante groups for their prompt response, which helped repel the attackers. He assured residents of the council’s continued efforts to enhance security across Rabah.
He urged communities to collaborate with authorities by providing reliable intelligence, particularly concerning informants living among them, and cautioned the public against politicizing or making insensitive remarks about security matters.
Alhaji Yusuf Mohammed Rabah also expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Aliyu for the consistent support given to local government areas affected by banditry in the state.
The statement was signed by Mode Mai Dawa, Information Officer of Rabah Local Government, dated November 27, 2025.
