Humanitarian worker killed in Sokoto bandit attack

A humanitarian worker, Ms Lydia Nwankwo, has been killed in an attack by suspected bandits in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Nwankwo, a humanitarian and field operations professional, was reportedly attacked alongside members of her team while returning from field operations in Kajiji community on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

Her sister, Chisom Nwankwo, confirmed the incident in a Facebook post on Thursday, announcing the death of the humanitarian worker.

According to the family, the team came under heavy gunfire when the attackers opened fire on their vehicle, killing Nwankwo on the spot.

The incident has thrown her colleagues and members of the humanitarian community in Sokoto into mourning, with those who worked with her describing her as a dedicated professional committed to supporting vulnerable communities in hard-to-reach areas.

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Confirming the attack, the Sokoto State Police Command said suspected bandits had attacked some communities in Shagari Local Government Area.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmed Rufai, who was contacted about the incident, said the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Shagari had briefed the state command.

Rufai, however, said the police were still gathering information on the attack and could not immediately provide further details.

He said, “I just spoke with the DPO in charge of Shagari now, who confirmed the attack on some communities in the local government. 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 attack has heightened concerns over the security situation in the affected communities, with residents calling for increased security presence and sustained patrols across Shagari and neighbouring areas to prevent further attacks.