SOKOTO — At least 12 people were killed and women and children were abducted during a night attack on Lajinge village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, according to witnesses and police authorities. The attack was carried out by armed men who entered the community late on Saturday and remained in the area for several hours, residents told Reuters. The attackers reportedly arrived at about 11pm and continued their assault until approximately 3am on Sunday. Witnesses said the gunmen moved through the community, attacking residents, stealing livestock and setting fire to houses. Six members of one family were among those who died after the attackers set fire to a house where they had taken shelter. A resident told Reuters that the attack left at least 12 people dead and four others injured, while women and children were taken away by the assailants. The incident adds to continuing security concerns in parts of north-western Nigeria, where armed criminal groups have carried out attacks on rural communities, kidnapped residents for ransom and stolen livestock. Sokoto and neighbouring Zamfara states have experienced repeated attacks in recent years, placing considerable pressure on rural communities and security agencies. Residents of affected areas have frequently called for stronger protection, particularly in communities located far from major towns and security formations. The latest attack also illustrates the wider consequences of insecurity for rural livelihoods. Livestock theft can deprive families of an important source of income, while fear of attacks can discourage farmers from travelling to their fields. When communities become insecure, commercial activity and movement can also be disrupted, affecting food production and local markets. Police in Sokoto said they were investigating the incident and would provide further information. The authorities' response is expected to include efforts to establish the identity of those responsible and determine the whereabouts of the abducted residents. The attack occurred about a week after bandits reportedly killed at least 24 farmers in neighbouring Zamfara State, underlining the continuing threat facing farming communities in the region. Repeated attacks have also raised concerns about the ability of criminal groups to operate across rural areas and move between communities and state boundaries. Security agencies have increasingly relied on intelligence gathering, local informants and joint operations to track armed groups. However, the size of rural territories and the mobility of criminal gangs continue to make prevention difficult. For residents, the absence of rapid security intervention during attacks can deepen fear and encourage some communities to organise local vigilante groups. Such groups can provide early warnings and limited protection but generally lack the equipment and training required to confront heavily armed attackers. The Federal Government and state authorities therefore face continued pressure to strengthen formal security operations in vulnerable communities. Beyond immediate security measures, the effects of repeated attacks extend to education, agriculture and local development. Families may relocate after attacks, children can lose access to schooling and farmers may abandon fields because of fear. These consequences can worsen economic hardship in communities already facing limited infrastructure and employment opportunities. The Lajinge attack therefore represents more than a single security incident. It reflects the continuing challenge of protecting rural communities in north-western Nigeria from armed groups that combine kidnapping, livestock theft and violent raids. Authorities will now face the task of identifying the attackers, locating the abducted residents and improving security arrangements around vulnerable communities. For the families affected, the immediate priority remains the safe return of those taken and support for those who survived the attack.