Fresh fears have gripped residents of Sokoto State following a deadly attack allegedly carried out by suspected Lakurawa militants in Kebbe Local Government Area, leaving a police officer and two civilians dead, a farmer injured, security vehicles destroyed, and several cattle rustled.
The latest assault, first reported by Sahara Reporters, has heightened concerns over the deteriorating security situation in parts of northwestern Nigeria, where communities continue to battle recurring attacks by armed groups.
According to reports, the attack occurred on Monday afternoon in a community within Kebbe Local Government Area. The assailants reportedly launched a coordinated assault that claimed the lives of Police Officer Hussaini Manyu, an elderly resident identified as Bala Wakili, and a young herder who was allegedly killed after refusing to surrender his cattle to the attackers.
A farmer working on his farmland was also reportedly shot and sustained injuries during the raid.
Beyond the fatalities, the attackers allegedly set ablaze a Police Hilux patrol vehicle and a Community Guard Hilux vehicle, dealing a significant blow to local security operations. They also reportedly rustled an unspecified number of cattle before fleeing the area.
Disturbingly, local sources further alleged that a married woman was physically assaulted after resisting an attempted sexual attack by the gunmen during the invasion.
Security analyst Bakatsine, citing local sources, confirmed the incident on Tuesday, describing the assault as a coordinated attack that resulted in multiple deaths, destruction of public property, cattle rustling, and violence against civilians.
The latest attack underscores the persistent security challenges facing several communities in northern Nigeria, where armed groups continue to target rural settlements, resulting in loss of lives, displacement of residents, destruction of property, and disruption of livelihoods.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not issued an official statement regarding the incident or the measures being taken to apprehend those responsible.
The renewed violence is expected to intensify calls for stronger security operations and improved protection for vulnerable communities across Sokoto State and other parts of the North-West affected by insurgency and banditry.
Source: Sahara Reporters.
PIONEER NEWS 