Gunmen kill two BDC operators in Sokoto community

Suspected Lakurawa gunmen have killed two currency exchange operators during an attack on a weekly market in Darusa, a border community in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The incident, which occurred late last week, threw the community into mourning and heightened fears among traders operating in the area.

Eyewitnesses said the assailants arrived at the market on four motorcycles, with two armed men on each bike. The gunmen reportedly opened fire on the currency exchangers at close range before fleeing with large sums of money.

The victims were identified as Alhaji Ummaru Darusa and Muhammad Sani, both known for operating foreign exchange businesses that served traders from Nigeria and neighbouring Niger Republic.

Darusa market, located along the Nigeria–Niger border, is a major trading hub for cross-border commerce.

Muhammad Sani was said to be a Nigerien national who regularly conducted business in the market.

Residents alleged that the attackers had been monitoring the victims before striking and expressed concern over the absence of adequate security in the area.

They called on authorities to intensify patrols to protect traders and residents, noting that suspected Lakurawa gunmen have continued to operate in parts of Gudu and Tangaza local government areas.

Confirming the attack, the Sokoto State Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Rufa’i, said the incident occurred on Thursday.

He added that one of the victims died at the scene, while the other later died after being taken to Dogon Daji Hospital.

The killings have renewed concerns over insecurity in border communities and the safety of traders engaged in cross-border economic activities.