Bandits Kill Two Currency Dealers in Sokoto Border Market

Suspected bandits have killed two currency exchange dealers during an attack on the Durusar Gawo currency market in Kurdula District of Gudu Local Government Area, Sokoto State, deepening fears over worsening insecurity along the Nigeria–Niger border.

The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the incident on Sunday through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i. According to him, the attackers stormed the busy market around midday and opened fire on traders.

“One person died on the spot, while the second victim later died at Dogon Dutse Hospital,” Rufa’i said, adding that investigations had commenced and security deployments to vulnerable border communities had been intensified.

The Durusar Gawo market is a major commercial hub linking Nigeria and the Niger Republic, attracting currency exchangers, livestock dealers and traders from both sides of the border. Residents identified the victims as Alhaji Ummaru and Alhaji Sani, both prominent currency dealers, with one reportedly operating from the Nigerien side.

While police confirmed the fatalities, residents alleged that the attackers, believed to be Lakurawa bandits, also carted away large sums of money in both local and foreign currencies before fleeing the scene.

Community members lamented the deteriorating security situation in Gudu and neighbouring Tangaza Local Government Areas, saying repeated attacks have forced schools to shut down and left residents living in fear. A local source disclosed that Kurdula district headquarters has no permanent security presence, with the nearest security post located about 45 kilometres away, resulting in slow response times during attacks.

It was also revealed that some communities in the Bachaka district depend on security support from Arewa Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State due to proximity, rather than from within Sokoto State.

Residents have appealed to the Sokoto State Government, security agencies and the Federal Government to urgently strengthen security along the porous border belt to prevent further loss of lives and livelihoods.

The police command, however, assured that operations against bandit groups in the axis are ongoing as efforts continue to restore calm to the affected communities.