Fresh violence has struck Sokoto State after suspected Lakurawa militants launched a deadly attack on Girkau community in Kebbe Local Government Area, killing a police officer and two civilians while setting security vehicles on fire.
The assault, which occurred on Monday, also left several residents injured and saw the attackers rustle an undisclosed number of cattle before fleeing the area. Witnesses said the gunmen stormed the community heavily armed, firing indiscriminately and forcing villagers to run for safety.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, Ahmed Rufai, said officers responded immediately after receiving a distress call. He explained that security operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle and eventually repelled the assault, although one police officer lost his life in the line of duty.
“It is unfortunate that we lost one of our men during the attack. We received a distress call from the community and immediately mobilised our personnel to the scene. We were able to repel the Lakurawa bandits, but during the exchange of gunfire, one of our officers paid the supreme price,” Rufai said.
The police spokesperson added that the attackers set ablaze two operational vehicles—one belonging to the Nigeria Police Force and another owned by the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps. He assured residents that security operations had been intensified across the area to prevent further attacks and protect lives and property.
Community members identified the slain police officer as Hussaini Manyu. They also said an elderly resident, Bala Wakili, and a young herder were killed during the attack, with the herder reportedly shot after refusing to surrender his cattle. A farmer who sustained gunshot wounds while working on his farmland is currently receiving medical treatment.
Residents described the attack as one of the deadliest incidents recorded in the community in recent months. They claimed they had repeatedly alerted security agencies to suspicious movements around Girkau before the invasion but said their concerns were not adequately addressed. They also alleged that a married woman was assaulted after resisting an attempted sexual assault during the attack.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of Sokoto State, with residents calling on both the Federal Government and the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations across Kebbe and neighbouring local government areas to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among affected communities.
