Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the deadly attack on Tofa community in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State, in which 10 residents were reportedly killed, several others injured and more than 35 villagers abducted.
The rights organisation said armed men invaded the rural community on Sunday, September 6, 2026, opening fire on residents, looting properties, rustling livestock and displacing hundreds of families.
According to Amnesty International Nigeria, the attackers also abducted scores of residents during the assault, adding that the incident was part of a broader pattern of persistent violence targeting vulnerable rural communities across the North-West.
The organisation expressed concern over what it described as the failure of Nigerian authorities to adequately protect rural communities from unlawful killings and mass abductions.
“Constant attacks should not be part of daily life for local communities. They must be protected,” Amnesty International Nigeria said.
It called on the Federal Government to take urgent and effective measures to secure the safe release of all abducted residents without harm.
Amnesty also demanded comprehensive investigations into the attack and other cases of killings and mass abductions in the region, stressing that perpetrators must be identified, arrested and brought to justice.
The rights group urged the government to strengthen the protection of vulnerable communities and ensure that residents are not left at the mercy of armed groups operating across the region.
It warned that the continued cycle of killings, abductions, displacement and destruction of livelihoods poses a serious threat to the safety and wellbeing of rural communities and requires an immediate and sustained government response.
