Youths Burn APC Offices, Block Highways

Youths Burn APC Offices, Block Highways

Youths in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State have reportedly attacked and set fire to some offices belonging to the All Progressives Congress (APC) amid growing anger over insecurity and worsening economic conditions.

The youths reportedly took to the streets to protest the security challenges affecting communities in the area, as well as the rising cost of living and other difficulties facing residents.

During the protest, some APC offices were vandalised and reportedly set ablaze, while major roads were blocked, disrupting the movement of motorists and other road users.

Video footage from the incident showed a large crowd of youths gathered on a major road, with some of them involved in the destruction of properties.

The development has raised concerns over the growing frustration among residents in parts of Sokoto State, particularly communities affected by attacks and other criminal activities.

The protest came shortly after reports of renewed threats by terrorists operating in neighbouring Zamfara State.

Residents of Talata Mafara Local Government Area had reportedly been given a seven-day deadline by terrorists to provide ₦50 million, 50 cattle and 50 sheep or risk another attack.

The terrorists reportedly entered an open market in the area and issued the demands to residents. The threat followed several attacks allegedly carried out by the group against communities in the area.

Residents had blamed the repeated attacks on what they described as inadequate action by the government and security agencies.

According to residents, the terrorists had previously attacked communities, taken over farmlands and rustled cattle belonging to villagers without facing enough resistance from security forces.

The latest threat has therefore caused renewed fear among residents, who said the attackers had become increasingly bold in their activities.

The situation is also linked to a deadly attack on communities in Sauna Ward, Talata Mafara, in July.

Terrorists reportedly killed 22 farmers who were working on their farmlands during the attack.

The attackers were said to have travelled in large numbers on motorcycles after crossing the Anka–Mayanchi highway. They reportedly moved through communities including Ruwan Gora, Zauren Gora, Tulluwa, Unguwar Shanu, Tsangaya and Tundun Namali before reaching Sauna.

The journey reportedly covered nearly 50 kilometres as the attackers moved through several communities.

Residents said the attack occurred during the day, starting at about 2pm and continuing until around 5pm.

The terrorists were also reportedly involved in cattle rustling during the incident, although the exact number of animals taken was not immediately known.