RismadarVoice Reporters
January 11, 2026
The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two currency exchange dealers following an attack by suspected bandits on the Durusar Gawo currency market in Kurdula District, Gudu Local Government Area of the state.
The attack occurred around midday on Sunday when armed men stormed the market and opened fire on traders.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said one of the victims died on the spot, while the second later succumbed to his injuries at the Dogon Dutse Hospital.
“The attack happened around mid-day when the gunmen opened fire on traders. One person died on the spot, while the second victim died later in the hospital,” Rufa’i said.
He added that the command has commenced investigations into the incident and intensified security deployments to vulnerable border communities in the area.
Durusar Gawo market serves as a major currency exchange and commercial hub along the Nigeria–Niger Republic border, attracting traders, currency exchangers and livestock dealers from both countries.
Residents identified the victims as Alhaji Ummaru and Alhaji Sani, both currency dealers. One of them was said to operate primarily from the Niger Republic side of the border.
While police confirmed the fatalities, residents alleged that the attackers, believed to be members of the Lakurawa bandit group, carted away sums of money in both local and foreign currencies before fleeing the scene.
Community members further expressed concern over worsening security in Gudu and neighbouring Tangaza Local Government Areas, saying the situation has forced some schools to shut down and left residents living in fear of further attacks.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Kurdula, the district headquarters, lacks a permanent security presence, noting that the nearest security post is about 45 kilometres away, resulting in delayed response times during attacks.
He added that some communities in Bachaka District rely on security support from Arewa Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State due to its proximity, rather than from within Sokoto State.
Residents have appealed to the Sokoto State Government, security agencies and the Federal Government to urgently strengthen security along the Nigeria–Niger border corridor.
