Security Forces Deny Claims of Mass Deaths in Sokoto Attack

The Nigerian Army and the Sokoto State Police have rejected claims circulating on social media about a deadly attack in Sokoto State. A Facebook post from Hausaland Magazine claimed that more than 100 civilians, 10 soldiers, and a Mobile Police officer were killed in an attack on a community.

The post, shared on October 5, 2026, alleged that armed men attacked a place called “Garin Gobir Gindin,” describing the event as a genocide and attributing it to “Fulani terrorists.” It also claimed that the death toll was increasing and included a disturbing image of motionless individuals.

However, security officials stated that there was no record of such an attack or a community by that name. Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, confirmed there were no mass casualties in the state. Deputy Superintendent of Police Ahmed Rufa’i also stated that the incident did not happen in Sokoto.

Further investigations revealed that the date mentioned in the post was incorrect. The alleged attack was said to have occurred on a Tuesday, but October 5, 2026, was actually a Monday. Verified reports from security agencies in the North-West also found no incidents matching the claims.

There was, however, a separate attack on October 4, 2026, in Ungushi village, Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where bandits killed two people and injured another. This incident was confirmed by local police.