Humanitarian professional Lydia Nwankwo k!lled as bandits attack Sokoto communities

A humanitarian and field operations professional, Lydia Chinenye Nwankwo was k!lled in a bandits' attack in Sokoto State.

Her sister, Chisom Nwankwo confirmed the sad incident in a Facebook post on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. 

According to her, bandits attacked Lydia and her team while on their way back from back from the field in Shagari Loval Government Area of the state on Tuesday, October 6. 

“Bandits attacked her and her team and shot her d3ad,” she added. 

Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed a bandits’ attack on communities in the Shagari Local Government Area of the state, with a police inspector reportedly k!lled during the incident.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the attack to punch on Tuesday, saying the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Shagari had briefed the command on the incident.

Rufai, however, said the command was still gathering details to establish what transpired and determine the casualties.

“I just spoke with the DPO in charge of Shagari now, who confirmed the attack on some communities in the local. We are still on it. I cannot give details now until I gather my information about the incident. I will get back to you on it” the PPRO said. 

The confirmation followed reports of the movement of armed bandits around farmlands and communities in the area, particularly towards Sanyin Nawal village.

A resident of Sanyin Nawal, Hassan Sahabi, had earlier raised the alarm in a social media post, calling for prayers for residents as the armed men reportedly moved through the community.

“We are seeking for your prayers to God for His protection. Bandits are currently in my community in Sanyin Nawal. Please pray for us,” he wrote.

A separate account of the incident said the bandits reportedly moved around Shagari farmlands in the morning before heading towards Sanyin Nawal, where they allegedly stopped some vehicles and robbed travellers.

The attackers were also said to have spent time around a nearby pond before allegedly eating food and drinking Maltina, while a motorcycle was reportedly set ablaze before they proceeded through surrounding villages.

The account further stated that the bandits encountered a passenger vehicle while returning in the evening around Maghrib and opened fire.

A police officer identified as Inspector Isah Muhammad Girkau was reportedly hit by a bullet and died from his injuries.

However, the police command has yet to officially confirm the identity of the deceased officer or provide details of the circumstances surrounding his d3ath.