Not less than 21 intending Muslim pilgrims narrowly escaped death in Sokoto State on Monday when bandits attacked their convoy.
Reports say that the Muslims were on their way to Sokoto from Isa Local Government Area of the state ahead of their take-off to the Holy Land on Tuesday when the assailants ambushed their convoy.
Security operatives escorting the Muslim fateful, however, immediately repelled the gun-wielding terrorists and halted the deadly attack.
Narrating the scenario, a resident of Isa town, Malam Sirajo, who spoke with Daily Trust said the convoy was attacked in Gundumi forest but that the intending pilgrims escaped unhurt and some of them were brought back to the palace of Sarkin Gobir Isa.
“They attacked their convoy, which was being escorted by security operatives who were said to have engaged the bandits for some minutes.“
We learnt that some of the operatives sustained injuries, which I cannot verify,” Daily Trust quoted Sirajo as saying.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Sokoto State Scholarship Board, Shehu Muhammad Dange said he could not confirm if there was any form of abduction during the attack.
He, however, confirmed that there were 21 intending pilgrims from Isa and that he was yet to ascertain their condition.
When contacted, the acting Public Relations Officer of Sokoto State Police Command, ASP Ahmad Rufa’i said he was not aware of the attack.