Five killed, three injured in bandit attack in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Police have confirmed that five people lost their lives and three others were hurt in a bandit attack on communities in Kebbe Local Government Area.

The attack took place on Thursday evening in Girkau community and other nearby settlements. Residents also reported that some people were abducted and cattle were stolen.

In a phone call with our reporter on Friday, the police spokesman, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said, "Five persons were killed, three others were injured, while unspecified animals were rustled in the attack."

Rufai mentioned that the police are still collecting information about the incident, including how many residents might have been taken away.

He added, "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 local resident named Abubakar reported that the attackers also struck Dukura and Jabga communities in Girkau Ward, where one person was killed in each place.

Abubakar mentioned that many residents, including young boys and girls, were taken during the assault. He said, "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."

He also stated that a member of the vigilante group was abducted after the attackers took his locally made gun.

Another resident shared that the attackers stayed in Girkau for several hours before leaving with a lot 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.

This incident comes during a time of heightened security issues in Kebbe LGA, where residents have been facing attacks, abductions, and cattle rustling.

It also happened just days after Kebbe town was reportedly hit with a N40m demand allegedly made by bandits on Tuesday afternoon.

However, the police did not confirm the alleged demand in their latest statement about the attack.

Rufai reassured the residents that security agencies are dedicated to protecting lives and property in the area. He said, "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."