A vehicle conveying humanitarian workers along the Kajiji-Shagari road in Sokoto State has been ambushed by suspected bandits, leaving one person dead and two others sustaining various degrees of injury.
The incident occurred at about 7pm on Tuesday as the workers were returning to Sokoto after carrying out field operations in Tambuwal Local Government Area of the state.
The deceased was identified as Ms Lydia Chinenye Nwankwo, a humanitarian and field operations professional who had worked with non-governmental and development organisations in Sokoto.
Her younger sister, Victoria Nwankwo, confirmed her death to Daily Trust on Thursday, saying Lydia was shot in the chest during the attack.
According to her, five people were travelling in the vehicle when the attackers opened fire on them.
“My sister was shot on the chest, one of her colleagues was shot on the leg and another was brushed on the head by a bullet. The other people in the vehicle and the driver survived the attack. It is only my sister who died as a result of her injuries,” she said.
Victoria said the family became worried when Lydia failed to return home and could not be reached by phone.
She said a colleague later informed the family that the team had been attacked while returning from Tambuwal.
According to her, Lydia’s body was eventually brought home in a Hilux vehicle at about 11pm, several hours after the attack.
Her body was subsequently deposited at a morgue, she said.
The Chairman of the Coalition of NGOs in Sokoto, Comrade Bello Shehu Gwadabawa, also confirmed that he was informed about the death but said he could not immediately provide details because he was out of town.
He said the deceased was working with one of the development partners supporting the Sokoto State Ministry of Health.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed an attack on some communities in Shagari Local Government Area, saying a police inspector also lost his life in the incident.
The Command’s spokesman, DSP Ahmed Rufai, told Daily Trust that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Shagari had briefed the state headquarters.
Rufai, however, said the command was still collating information on the incident and could not immediately provide details on the extent of casualties and damage.
“I just spoke with the DPO in charge of Shagari, 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,” he said.
What You Should Know
A humanitarian worker, Ms Lydia Chinenye Nwankwo, lost her life while two of her colleagues sustained injuries when armed men opened fire on their vehicle as they returned from field operations in Tambuwal Local Government Area.
This incident highlights the growing security risks faced by humanitarian personnel and field workers operating in remote parts of northern Nigeria. While there are no direct positive impacts from this tragic event, it brings critical awareness to the ongoing safety challenges in the region.
- Positive Impact: Draws urgent attention to the security vulnerabilities of development and aid workers, potentially prompting authorities to improve protective measures.
- Potential Concerns: Increases fear and operational risks for humanitarian organizations, which may lead to a suspension of vital aid and community support programs in vulnerable areas.
