Police: Five killed, three injured in Sokoto bandit attack

The attack occurred on Thursday evening in Girkau community and other settlements within Girkau Ward, with residents also reporting abductions and the rustling of cattle.

Confirming the incident in a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Friday, the spokesman for the command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said, “Five persons were killed, three others were injured, while unspecified animals were rustled in the attack.”

Rufai said the command was still gathering information about the incident, including the number of residents who may have been abducted.

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.”

A resident of the area who identified himself as Abubakar also said the attackers invaded Dukura and Jabga communities, both in Girkau Ward, where one person was reportedly killed in each location.

According to Abubakar, several residents, including young boys and girls, were abducted during the attack.

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.”

Abubakar also said that a vigilante member was abducted after the attackers seized his locally made firearm.

Another resident said the attackers remained in Girkau for several hours before leaving with a large number 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.

The attack comes amid security concerns in Kebbe LGA, where residents have reportedly faced attacks, abductions and cattle rustling.

It also occurred days after Kebbe town was reportedly subjected to a N40m levy allegedly imposed by bandits on Tuesday afternoon.

However, the police did not confirm the alleged levy in its latest statement on the attack.