A humanitarian and field operations professional, Lydia Chinenye Nwankwo, has been killed in a suspected Fulani terrorists attack in Sokoto State, raising fresh concerns over the safety of humanitarian workers amid persistent insecurity in the state.
Nwankwo was reportedly shot dead when armed men attacked her and her team as they returned from fieldwork in the Shagari area of Sokoto State.
Her sister, Chisom Nwankwo, confirmed the killing in a Facebook post on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, saying the assailants attacked the team and shot Lydia dead.
Details surrounding the incident remain unclear, including the exact time of the attack, the number of assailants involved and whether other members of the team sustained injuries.
As of the time of filing this report, the Sokoto State Police Command and Nwankwo’s employer had yet to issue official statements on the incident.
The killing adds to growing concerns over insecurity in Sokoto State, where armed groups have continued to target communities.
In a separate incident, suspected Lakurawa terrorists reportedly attacked Ungushi village in Kebbe local government area, killing two people, including a vigilante. No arrests had been announced in connection with the attack.
Nwankwo’s death highlights the risks faced by field personnel working in vulnerable communities, where insecurity can threaten both local residents and those engaged in humanitarian and development activities.
