Fresh Terror Attacks Rock Northern Nigeria as Gunmen Kill Cleric, Abduct Women, Rustle Cattle

Northern Nigeria witnessed another wave of coordinated violence on January 15, 2026, as suspected terrorists carried out deadly attacks across Kaduna, Katsina and Sokoto states, leaving several people dead, women abducted, and communities in fear.

The simultaneous incidents, which unfolded within hours of each other, further highlighted the worsening security crisis across the North-West, where rural communities remain highly vulnerable to armed groups operating with increasing boldness.

Seven Killed, Cattle Stolen in Sokoto Attack

In Sokoto State, residents of Yarba community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area were thrown into mourning after a large group of armed men invaded the area in the early hours of Wednesday.

A local source, English Alhaji, disclosed that over 100 heavily armed terrorists stormed the community after first passing through remote settlements in the axis. According to him, the attackers moved from house to house, firing sporadically and instilling fear among residents.

During the assault, seven villagers were killed, while several others narrowly escaped into nearby bushes. In addition to the killings, the attackers rustled an unspecified number of cattle, dealing a severe economic blow to local farmers and herders.

“This was a massive operation. They were many, and the community could not resist them. People ran for their lives,” the source said.

Although security operatives were reportedly alerted, residents claimed help arrived hours after the attackers had withdrawn, a recurring complaint in rural Sokoto communities facing repeated incursions.

Ten Women Abducted in Katsina Community

On the same day, terrorists struck again in Katsina State, targeting Ngududu community in Funtua Local Government Area.

According to community sources, the attackers invaded the village at night, breaking into homes and abducting at least ten women, most of whom were said to be wives and daughters of local farmers.

Witnesses said the gunmen operated freely for a prolonged period, taking advantage of the absence of nearby security checkpoints. The abducted women were reportedly marched into surrounding forests, believed to be linked to known bandit hideouts in the state.

Local leaders described the incident as devastating, noting that many families are now struggling to raise funds amid fears that the abductors may demand ransom.

“This is becoming unbearable. Women and children are no longer safe in their homes,” a community elder lamented.

Islamic Cleric Killed in Kaduna Farmland

In Kaduna State, tragedy struck Lanhi Dankuta village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, where suspected terrorists killed an Islamic cleric who had gone to his farm to fetch firewood.

Residents said the cleric was intercepted by the attackers on his way back from the farm. He was reportedly accused of collaborating with security agencies, an allegation locals described as baseless.

The killing has sparked outrage in the community, with religious leaders condemning the attack and calling for urgent government intervention.

“He was a peaceful man who lived a simple life. His death has shaken us deeply,” a resident said.

Birnin Gwari has remained one of Kaduna’s most volatile areas, frequently targeted due to its proximity to forests linking the state to Niger and Katsina.

Rising Fear as Attacks Spread Across States

The terrorist attacks in Kaduna, Katsina and Sokoto states occurred against the backdrop of growing concerns over the ability of security agencies to contain armed groups operating across state boundaries.

Security analysts warn that the scale and coordination of the attacks suggest a resurgence of well-organized networks exploiting gaps in intelligence and rapid-response capacity.

In recent months, communities across the North-West have repeatedly complained of delayed military response, poor communication infrastructure, and insufficient security presence in rural areas.

Meanwhile, residents in the affected communities have called on both federal and state governments to deploy more troops, establish permanent security outposts, and strengthen intelligence gathering at the grassroots level.

Government Yet to Issue Official Statement

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been issued by the Kaduna, Katsina or Sokoto state governments regarding the January 15 attacks.

Security agencies also remained silent, although sources hinted that investigations were ongoing and that patrols had been intensified in some flashpoint areas.

However, for families mourning their dead, searching for abducted loved ones, or counting losses from rustled cattle, official assurances offer little comfort.

A Region Under Siege

The latest incidents underscore a troubling reality: despite repeated military operations and policy pronouncements, many rural communities in northern Nigeria remain exposed.

Until sustained security measures are implemented and perpetrators held accountable, residents fear that terrorist attacks in Kaduna, Katsina and Sokoto states may continue unabated.

For now, fear hangs heavily in the air, as villagers lock their doors earlier, avoid farmlands, and wait anxiously for a peace that feels increasingly distant.

#KadunaInsecurity #KatsinaAttack #SokotoViolence #NorthWestCrisis #NigeriaSecurity #TerrorismInNigeria #Banditry #BreakingNews