Suspected Lakurawa militants have attacked Girkau community in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing a police officer and two civilians, injuring others, rustling cattle and destroying two security vehicles.
The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the attack on Tuesday, saying the assailants invaded the community on Monday before security operatives responded to a distress call.
Police spokesperson, Ahmed Rufai, said officers engaged the attackers in a gun battle and eventually repelled them, although one officer lost his life in the exchange.
“It is unfortunate that we lost one of our men during the attack. We received a distress call from the community and immediately mobilised our personnel to the scene. We were able to repel the Lakurawa bandits, but during the exchange of gunfire, one of our officers paid the supreme price,” Rufai said.
He added that the attackers also set ablaze two operational vehicles belonging to the Nigeria Police Force and the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps.
“They burnt two vehicles, one belonging to the police and the other to the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps,” he said.
According to the police, security operations have since been intensified in the area to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of residents.
Residents said the gunmen stormed the community heavily armed, firing indiscriminately at security personnel and villagers, forcing many people to flee.
Community sources identified the slain police officer as Hussaini Manyu. They also said an elderly resident, Bala Wakili, and a young herder were killed during the attack, with the herder reportedly shot after refusing to surrender his cattle.
The sources added that a farmer sustained gunshot wounds while working on his farmland and is receiving treatment, while another resident alleged that the attackers assaulted a married woman after she resisted an attempted sexual assault.
A community leader, who requested anonymity for security reasons, described the incident as one of the deadliest attacks on the area in recent months.
“What happened in Girkau is heartbreaking. We lost a police officer who was defending the community, an elderly man and a young herder. They also burnt security vehicles and took away many cattle. Our people are living in fear because these attacks are becoming too frequent,” the community leader said.
Another resident said the community had repeatedly alerted security agencies about suspicious movements before the attack.
“We had been calling for more security presence because we noticed unusual movements around the area. Unfortunately, our fears have now become reality.
Innocent people have been killed, families have been thrown into mourning and many residents have fled for safety,” the resident said.
Residents have appealed to the Federal Government and the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations across Kebbe Local Government Area and neighbouring communities to curb recurring attacks.
