Bandits kill 33 in Kebbi community

The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of 33 persons following an attack by suspected bandits on Bui District in Arewa Local Government Area.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Birnin Kebbi.

According to Usman, the incident occurred on Wednesday when armed men, suspected to be Lakurawa militants, invaded the district with the intention of rustling cattle. Preliminary investigations indicated that the attackers were believed to have crossed into the area from Gudu Local Government Area in neighbouring Sokoto State.

“During the attack, residents of Mamunu, Awasaka, Tungan Tsoho, Makangara, Kanzo, Gorun Naidal and Dan Mai Ago mobilised in response to the invasion. In the ensuing confrontation, 33 persons lost their lives,” he said.

The police spokesperson stated that the command, in collaboration with the military and other security agencies, had reinforced security presence in the affected communities.

He explained that additional personnel and operational assets had been deployed, while sustained area domination patrols were ongoing to restore normalcy and prevent further attacks.

Usman said the command had commiserated with the families of the victims and the entire Arewa community over the tragic incident.

He emphasised that incidents involving heavily armed criminal elements require coordinated security intervention and urged residents to report suspicious movements and activities through established security channels.

“Members of the public are advised not to engage armed criminals directly, as such actions pose grave risks to lives and property,” he cautioned.

He added that targeted operations were ongoing to track down and apprehend the perpetrators, as well as strengthen early warning mechanisms in vulnerable communities across the state.

The attack comes amid rising security concerns in parts of Kebbi and neighbouring states, where armed groups have continued to carry out raids, kidnappings and extortion in rural communities.