Gunmen on Monday reportedly attacked intending Muslim pilgrims in Sokoto State.
The pilgrims were said to be coming from Isa Local Government Area to Sokoto town to board a Tuesday morning flight to the Holly land in Mecca before they were attacked by the gunmen.
The pilgrims’ convoy was attacked by the gunmen along Gundumi forest but the security escorts however foiled the attempt to have a successful operation.
One of the pilgrims, Malam Sirajo, who confirmed the incident to newsmen, said no one among them was hurt, adding that “some of is were brought back to the palace of Sarkin Gobir Isa.”
He said: “They attacked our convoy but our security escort engaged the bandits in a gun duel for some minutes. We later heard learnt that some of the security men sustained injuries but I cannot verify that.”
“The bandits ambushed our convoy being led by armed mobile policemen. The officers in front engaged the bandits and that was what made it possible for us to escape and our vehicles turned back to Isa.”
Also, the Permanent Secretary, Sokoto State Scholarship Board, Shehu Muhammad Dange, confirmed the attack, saying that he was not sure whether there was any case of abduction.
His words: “We have 21 intending pilgrims from Isa. But we are yet to ascertain their condition.”
He said the incident had forced the State Pilgrims Welfare Board to reschedule their flight to Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the acting Public Relations Officer of Sokoto State Police Command, Ahmad Rufa’i, said he was not aware of the incident.
