Aid worker Lydia Chinenye Nwankwo killed in Sokoto bandit attack

Lydia Chinenye Nwankwo, who worked in humanitarian aid and field operations, was killed during a bandit attack in Sokoto State, her sister Chisom Nwankwo said in a Facebook post on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Chisom Nwankwo stated that bandits targeted Lydia and her colleagues as they traveled back from the field in Shagari Local Government Area on Tuesday, October 6. She wrote that the attackers shot her sister dead. The Sokoto State Police Command has also confirmed a bandit attack on communities in Shagari Local Government Area. A police inspector was reportedly killed in the incident. Police spokesman DSP Ahmed Rufai confirmed the attack to Punch on Tuesday and said the Divisional Police Officer for Shagari had briefed the command. Rufai added that authorities were still collecting information to determine what happened and to identify casualties. 'I just spoke with the DPO in charge of Shagari now, who confirmed the attack on some communities in the local. 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,' the PPRO said. The police confirmation came after reports that armed bandits were moving around farmlands and communities in the area, especially toward Sanyin Nawal village. Hassan Sahabi, a resident of Sanyin Nawal, had earlier posted an alert on social media asking for prayers as the armed men reportedly passed through the community. 'We are seeking for your prayers to God for His protection. Bandits are currently in my community in Sanyin Nawal. Please pray for us,' he wrote. A separate account said the bandits moved through Shagari farmlands in the morning before heading to Sanyin Nawal, where they allegedly stopped vehicles and robbed travelers. The attackers were also said to have lingered near a pond, allegedly eating food and drinking Maltina, while a motorcycle was reportedly set on fire before they continued through nearby villages. That account added that the bandits came across a passenger vehicle while returning in the evening around Maghrib and opened fire. Inspector Isah Muhammad Girkau was reportedly struck by a bullet and died from his wounds. The police command has not yet officially confirmed the deceased officer's identity or provided details about the circumstances of his death.