Bandits have abducted at least five people, including two heavily pregnant women, during a night raid on Maiwa, a rural community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Residents said the attackers, armed with rifles and riding on seven motorcycles, swept into the village and headed straight for the local mosque, where some villagers were gathered.

One resident, who narrowly escaped, recounted that the bandits opened fire into the air, sending worshippers scrambling for safety. He said he ran towards a nearby police outpost, hoping for protection, but claimed that officers on duty fled when they saw two of the gunmen pursuing him on motorcycles.

With no resistance, the assailants reportedly moved from house to house, seizing their targets. The abducted victims were identified by locals as Sadiya Umar, Firdausi Umar, Maryam Musa, Ubaida Musa and Harira Nura.

Community members said Sadiya and Ubaida are in the late stages of pregnancy and expected to give birth soon, heightening fears for their safety and health in captivity. Family members and neighbours described the situation as terrifying, saying they had no information on the condition of the women or the demands of their captors.

Residents also reported that the bandits initially rustled 12 cows during the operation but later returned the animals for reasons that remain unclear. Some villagers interpreted the move as a tactic to reduce immediate security pressure while still holding on to human hostages.

The attack triggered panic across Maiwa, with many residents fleeing towards nearby communities and across the border into the Niger Republic. Several of those who fled began returning the following morning, only to find a village gripped by fear and uncertainty.

Local sources said the community has been living under the shadow of repeated incursions by armed groups, with limited security presence and slow response times when attacks occur. They appealed for stronger protection and more proactive measures from security agencies.

The Sokoto State Police Command has not issued an official statement on the incident, and it remains unclear whether any operation has been launched to rescue the abducted victims or track down the perpetrators.