Five people were killed and three others injured when suspected bandits attacked communities in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State, the state police command has confirmed.
The Punch reported that the incident occurred on Thursday evening in Girkau community and other settlements within Girkau Ward. Residents also reported that the attackers abducted several people and made away with cattle.
The police spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the attack during a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Friday.
“Five persons were killed, three others were injured, while unspecified animals were rustled in the attack.”
Rufai said the command was still working to establish the full details of the incident, including the number of people who were taken away by the attackers.
“We are still gathering information on the incident, including the number of people who may have been abducted. Further details will be made available as they emerge.”
A resident, who identified himself as Abubakar, said the attackers also invaded Dukura and Jabga communities in Girkau Ward.
He claimed that one person was killed in each of the two communities and that several residents, including young boys and girls, were abducted.
According to him, the attackers arrived in large numbers and moved through different parts of the communities, forcing residents to flee into the bush for safety.
“They came in large numbers and moved from one part of the community to another. People were running into the bush for safety while the attackers went from house to house.”
Abubakar further disclosed that a vigilante member was abducted after the attackers seized his locally made firearm.
Another resident said the bandits stayed in Girkau for several hours before departing with a large number of cattle.
“They spent hours in the community and moved around freely. They eventually left with many cattle. The residents are now living in fear because nobody knows when they may return,” the resident said.
The latest attack adds to growing security concerns in Kebbe Local Government Area, where residents have continued to face incidents of abduction, attacks and cattle rustling.
The incident came only days after bandits reportedly imposed a N40m levy on Kebbe town on Tuesday afternoon. However, the police did not confirm the alleged levy while commenting on the latest attack.
Rufai assured residents that the police and other security agencies would continue efforts to protect communities and respond to emerging threats.
“The police and other security agencies remain committed to protecting the lives and property of the people. We will continue to respond to security threats and work with communities to ensure their safety,” he said.
