The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed that 11 people were killed and six villages were set ablaze in Arewa Local Government Area following an attack by suspected Lakurawa militants.
According to The PUNCH, the assault, which took place on Sunday, was reportedly in retaliation for the killing of a militant leader, Maigemu, during a security operation.
Eyewitnesses, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the assailants stormed Birnin Dede and surrounding villages, torching homes and causing widespread destruction.
However, one village was spared due to the presence of military personnel.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command, Nafiu Abubakar, stated that while initial reports suggested 13 deaths and eight villages affected, investigations revealed 11 confirmed fatalities, with two individuals critically wounded.
“The attack happened on Sunday. They targeted six villages, killing 11 people and leaving two others in critical condition. We are on their trail, and God willing, we will apprehend them soon,” Abubakar said.
Alhaji Sani Aliyu, Chairman of the Arewa Local Government Council, also addressed the situation, stating that the victims had been buried according to Islamic customs.
He linked the attack to the recent security operation that resulted in the death of Maigemu, a notorious bandit leader.
“This was a reprisal for the elimination of Maigemu. Security forces had launched an operation against him as part of efforts to combat terrorism in the region,” Aliyu explained.
