Kebbi bandit attack leaves four dead, soldier missing

A violent bandit attack on the Tudun Bicci community in Kebbi State has resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left one soldier missing.

The Chairman of Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, Hussaini Aliyu Bena, confirmed the incident, clarifying that the fatalities comprised two forest guards and two civilians. He dismissed earlier reports suggesting a soldier was among those killed.

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The reports circulating that a soldier was killed are not correct. The victims were two forest guards and two civilians, while one soldier is currently missing.

During the invasion, armed bandits engaged in a gun battle with security personnel and local forest guards. Bena stated that several bandits were killed and others escaped with gunshot injuries.

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Many of the bandits were killed during the encounter, while others fled into the forest with gunshot wounds.

Bena highlighted that the persistent insecurity in the Danko/Wasagu area is exacerbated by the presence of bandit camps in neighboring Zamfara and Niger states. These enclaves serve as launchpads for criminal activities.

In response, the Kebbi State Government, in collaboration with security agencies and local authorities, is intensifying efforts to curb recurring attacks and kidnappings. Bena appealed to residents for calm and continued cooperation with security agencies by providing credible information.

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The state government, working closely with security agencies and the local government, is taking decisive measures to bring an end to the incessant attacks and kidnappings in this area.

The incident follows closely on the heels of the abduction of a Kebbi State High Court judge, Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, underscoring the deteriorating security situation in the state.

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The security challenges we are facing are largely due to the existence of bandits’ camps in neighbouring Zamfara and Niger states, from where these criminals launch attacks.