Kebbi Police Confirm 33 Dead in Attack by Suspected Militants

The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed that 33 people were killed following an attack by suspected bandits in Bui District, located in the Arewa Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement released on Friday in Birnin Kebbi, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, detailed that the incident occurred on Wednesday. He stated that armed men, suspected to be Lakurawa militants, invaded the district with the intention of stealing cattle.

According to preliminary investigations, the assailants are believed to have crossed into Kebbi from the Gudu Local Government Area of neighbouring Sokoto State.

SP Usman explained that the attack prompted a response from residents of several communities, including Mamunu, Awasaka, Tungan Tsoho, Makangara, Kanzo, Gorun Naidal, and Dan Mai Ago. It was during the ensuing confrontation that the 33 victims lost their lives.

In response to the deadly raid, the police spokesman said the command has reinforced its presence in the affected areas in collaboration with the military and other security agencies. He noted that additional personnel and operational assets have been deployed, and sustained patrols are ongoing to restore normalcy and prevent further incidents.

The command expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased and the broader Arewa community.

SP Usman cautioned members of the public against directly confronting armed criminals, advising that such actions pose grave risks. He urged residents to instead report any suspicious movements or activities through official security channels.

He added that targeted operations are underway to track down and apprehend the perpetrators, while efforts are being made to strengthen early warning systems in vulnerable communities across the state.

This attack follows a recent report that suspected terrorists had demanded a ransom of N100 million from a community in the Ngaski Local Government Area of the state, highlighting the growing security challenges in the region.