The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of 33 persons following an attack by suspected bandits on Bui District in Arewa Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bashir Usman, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Birnin Kebbi.
Usman said the incident occurred on Wednesday when armed men, suspected to be Lakurawa militants, invaded the district with the intention of rustling cattle. Preliminary investigations indicate that the attackers are believed to have crossed into the area from Gudu Local Government Area of 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. In the ensuing confrontation, 33 persons lost their lives,” he said.
He added that the police command, in collaboration with the military and other security agencies, had reinforced security presence in the affected communities.
According to him, additional personnel and operational assets have been deployed, while sustained area domination patrols are ongoing to restore normalcy and prevent further attacks.
The command commiserated with the families of the victims and the entire Arewa community over the incident.
Usman emphasised that confrontations involving heavily armed criminal elements require coordinated security intervention and urged residents to report suspicious movements through established security channels.
“Members of the public are advised not to engage armed criminals directly, as such actions pose grave risks to lives and property,” he cautioned.
He added that targeted operations were ongoing to track down and apprehend the perpetrators, while early warning mechanisms were being strengthened in vulnerable communities across the state.
Residents were advised to contact the Command’s control room numbers — 08038797644 and 09015888578 — in case of emergencies.