The Sokoto State Police Command has reported that a bandit raid on villages in the state's Kebbe Local Government Area resulted in five fatalities and three injuries.

Residents of the Girkau community and adjacent towns inside Girkau Ward reported abductions and cattle rustling during the attack on Thursday nite.

The command's spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the event over the phone with our correspondent on Friday, saying, "Five persons were killed, three others were injured, while unspecified animals were rustled in the attack."

According to Rufai, the command is currently gathering details regarding the incident, such as how many residents might have been kidnaped.

He said, “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.”

Abubakar, a local resident, added that one person was allegedly slain in each of the terrorists' invasions of the Dukura and Jabga settlements in Girkau Ward.

Several locals, including young boys and girls, were kidnaped during the assault, according to Abubakar.

He said, “They came in large numbers and moved from one part of the community to another. People were running into the bush for safety while the attackers went from house to house.”

Additionally, according to Abubakar, a vigilante member was kidnaped when the assailants took his locally manufactured firearm.

According to a different local, the assailants stayed in Girkau for a few hours before departing with a sizable herd of cattle.

“They spent hours in the community and moved around freely. They eventually left with many cattle. The residents are now living in fear because nobody knows when they may return,” the resident said.

Kebbe LGA residents have reportedly experienced attacks, kidnappings, and livestock rustling, raising security worries at the time of the attack.

Source