The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of 33 people following a deadly attack by suspected bandits on Bui District in Kebbi State.
The incident occurred in Arewa Local Government Area, when armed men believed to be Lakurawa militants stormed several communities with the alleged intention of rustling cattle.
In a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said preliminary investigations revealed that the attackers were suspected to have crossed into the area from 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,” Usman said.
“In the ensuing confrontation, 33 persons lost their lives.”
Usman said the police, working alongside the military and other security agencies, had reinforced security across the affected communities to prevent further violence.
“Additional personnel and operational assets have been deployed, while sustained area domination patrols are ongoing to restore normalcy,” he stated.
The police spokesperson said the command commiserated with the families of the victims and the entire Arewa community over what he described as a “tragic and painful incident.”
He warned that confrontations with heavily armed criminal groups posed grave dangers to civilians.
“Members of the public are advised not to engage armed criminals directly, as such actions pose grave risks to lives and property,” Usman cautioned.
He urged residents to promptly report suspicious movements through established security channels, adding that targeted operations were ongoing to track down and apprehend the perpetrators while strengthening early-warning mechanisms in vulnerable communities.
Meanwhile, security concerns have continued to mount in parts of Kebbi and neighbouring states. Reports indicate that suspected terrorists recently sent a letter to the Utono community in Ngaski Local Government Area, allegedly demanding N100 million before they would be allowed to enter the town to “preach.”
The development underscores growing fears over banditry, extortion and deadly raids affecting rural communities across the North-West.
