A humanitarian worker and field operations professional, Lydia Chinenye Nwankwo, has been shot dead by suspected bandits in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Lydia was reportedly killed on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, when armed attackers ambushed her and her team while they were returning from fieldwork.
Her sister, Chisom Nwankwo, confirmed the incident in a Facebook post on Wednesday, October 7, expressing grief over the loss.
According to Chisom, the attackers opened fire on Lydia and her colleagues during the journey, killing her in the process.
“Bandits attacked her and her team and shot her dead,” she wrote.
The Sokoto State Police Command has also confirmed an attack on some communities in Shagari Local Government Area, although it said investigations were ongoing to establish the full details of the incident and the number of casualties.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, told Punch that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Shagari had confirmed the attack.
Rufai said the police were still gathering information and could not immediately provide further details.
“I just spoke with the DPO in charge of Shagari now, who confirmed the attack on some communities in the local government area. 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.
The killing reportedly occurred amid growing concerns over the movement of armed bandits around farmlands and nearby communities, particularly towards Sanyin Nawal village.
A separate account of the incident alleged that the armed men moved through farmlands, intercepted vehicles and robbed travellers before proceeding through surrounding villages.
The attackers were also reportedly responsible for setting a motorcycle ablaze during their movement through the area.
According to the account, the gunmen later encountered a passenger vehicle around the Maghrib period while returning from their operations and opened fire.
A police inspector identified as Isah Muhammad Girkau was reportedly struck by a bullet during the incident and later died from his injuries.
However, the Sokoto State Police Command had yet to officially confirm the officer’s identity or provide further information about the circumstances surrounding his reported death.
The killing of Lydia has added to concerns over the safety of humanitarian workers and other people travelling through areas affected by banditry in Sokoto State.
As of the time of reporting, the police had not released a comprehensive account of the attack, including the full number of victims and the identities of all those affected.
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