Lydia Nwankwo, a humanitarian and field‑operations professional, was killed when bandits opened fire on a vehicle carrying aid workers on the Kajoni‑Shagari road in Sokoto State on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, around 7 p.m. The attack occurred as the team was returning from field work in Tambuwal Local Government Area.
Five people were inside the vehicle when the gunmen attacked. According to Victoria Nwankwo, Lydia’s younger sister, Lydia was hit in the chest, a colleague suffered a leg wound and another was grazed on the head. The driver and the remaining occupants escaped unharmed. Victoria said the family grew anxious when Lydia did not arrive home and could not be reached by phone, later learning from a colleague that the convoy had been ambushed.
The victim’s body was retrieved several hours later and transported home in a Hilux at about 11 p.m., after which it was placed in a morgue. The Chairman of the [Coalition of NGOs in Sokoto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non- governmental_organization), Comrade Bello Shehu Gwadabawa, confirmed he had been notified of the death but could not give details as he was out of town. He added that Lydia was working with a development partner that supports the [Sokoto State Ministry of Health](https://health.gov.ng).
The [Sokoto State Police Command](https://www.npf.gov.ng) also reported an attack on several communities in Shagari Local Government Area, noting that a police inspector lost his life in the same incident. DSP Ahmed Rufai, a spokesperson for the command, said the Divisional Police Officer in Shagari had briefed state headquarters, but the police were still gathering full information on casualties and damage.
"I just spoke with the DPO in charge of Shagari, who confirmed the attack on some communities in the local government. 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," Rufai told Daily Trust.
**What was the immediate response?**
The police continue to investigate, while humanitarian agencies are reviewing security protocols for staff travelling in the region.
**How did the family receive the body?**
Victoria said the corpse arrived in a Hilux late at night and was subsequently taken to a morgue for identification and formalities.
The incident underscores the heightened risk faced by aid workers operating in north‑western Nigeria, where bandit activity has surged in recent years.