At least five people have been killed and three others injured after suspected bandits attacked communities in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The attack occurred on Thursday evening in Girkau and other settlements within Girkau Ward, with residents also reporting abductions and cattle rustling.
Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the deaths and injuries on Friday, saying an unspecified number of animals were also rustled during the attack.
“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,” Rufai said.
A resident identified as Abubakar said the attackers moved through Dukura and Jabga communities, where one person was reportedly killed in each location.
He claimed several residents, including young boys and girls, were abducted as the attackers moved from house to house, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes.
Abubakar also alleged that a vigilante member was abducted after the attackers seized his locally made firearm.
Another resident said the attackers remained in the area for several hours before leaving with a large number of cattle, leaving residents worried about further attacks.
The incident adds to growing security concerns in Kebbe LGA, where communities have reportedly faced repeated attacks, abductions and cattle rustling. Days earlier, Kebbe town was reportedly hit with a N40 million levy allegedly imposed by bandits, although the police have not confirmed the claim.
Police said security agencies remained committed to protecting residents and responding to threats in the affected communities.
