The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed a troubling incident involving armed bandits who invaded Gidan Asarki, a community adjacent to Usmanu Danfodiyo University, on Sunday night. The attack, which occurred around 9 PM, left one resident injured and resulted in the theft of 28 cattle.

According to police spokesperson Ahmed Rufai, the assailants shot a local man in the leg during their raid and made off with the livestock. "They invaded Gidan Asarki village and shot one person in the leg and rustled 28 cattle," Rufai stated in a phone conversation with a correspondent.

Residents of Gidan Asarki expressed their fear and frustration following the attack. Reports indicate that the bandits threatened community members, demanding that students residing in the area be brought out. Fortunately, the incident coincided with the university's holiday, meaning many students were not present at the time.

A local resident, Hussaini, confirmed that the victim of the shooting was an elderly man who survived the attack and was promptly taken to a hospital for medical attention. "When they were shooting, an old man was shot in the leg, but he is alive, and we have taken him to the hospital," he explained.

Another resident, Jameel Muhammad, corroborated the events, stating, "Wallahi, they have gone with more than 20 cows, and they shot the owner in the leg." While Muhammad noted the number of cattle taken, the police have officially reported the figure as 28.

The incident has raised significant concerns regarding the security of the communities surrounding Usmanu Danfodiyo University, especially rural areas that are particularly vulnerable to attacks and livestock theft. Armed banditry and cattle rustling continue to pose serious security challenges in northwestern Nigeria, prompting calls for increased protection and vigilance in these regions.

As the investigation continues, local authorities are urged to enhance security measures to prevent future occurrences and safeguard residents from such violent crimes.