Shehu Sani’s Viral Tweet Sparks Debate Over Alleged Bandits’ Drowning in Sokoto
Former Kaduna Central senator and human rights activist, Shehu Sani, has stirred widespread reactions online following a viral social media post linking reports of mass casualties among suspected bandits in Sokoto State to a biblical narrative.
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In a tweet shared on March 22, 2026, Sani drew a parallel between the reported incident and the story of Pharaoh’s army in the biblical Exodus, stating that the alleged drowning of over 150 bandits “reminded me of the Egyptian Pharaoh and his troops.” The post quickly gained traction, attracting thousands of views, likes, and comments.
The comment followed circulating reports from security-linked sources, including the Zagazola Makama platform, claiming that a boat carrying a large number of armed bandits capsized in the Sabon Gida area while attempting to cross a river. The reports suggested that many of the occupants drowned after the vessel overturned.
The development triggered mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians describing the incident as “poetic justice” in light of the ongoing insecurity caused by banditry in parts of the North-West, particularly in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina states.
However, the Nigeria Police Force in Sokoto State has dismissed the reports, with spokesperson DSP Ahmed Rufa’i describing the claims as false and lacking any factual basis.
Security analysts have also questioned the credibility of the reports, noting that many rivers in eastern Sokoto are not navigable during the dry season, casting doubt on the possibility of such a large-scale boat movement.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the incident, Sani’s remarks have resonated strongly among communities affected by banditry, reflecting growing frustration and the desire for an end to persistent insecurity in the region.
As of the time of this report, there is no official confirmation of the alleged incident, and authorities continue to urge caution against the spread of unverified information.
Shehu Sani’s Viral Tweet Sparks Debate Over Alleged Bandits’ Drowning in Sokoto