No fewer than 11 soldiers and a police officer have reportedly been killed in an ambush by gunmen in the Giro Masa community, Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The attack occurred on Tuesday night when security operatives, believed to have been operating in the area for some time, traced the gunmen to a construction company yard.
Following a tip-off, it was learnt that soldiers were dispatched to secure the site but were ambushed along the way. The police officer and soldiers lost their lives in the attack and two military trucks were set on fire.
The Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, visited the accident and emergency unit of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, where the victims were admitted.
Speaking to journalists after the visit, the governor described the incident as unfortunate and barbaric.
He assured residents that the state government would cover the medical bills of the injured and provide support to the families of the deceased security personnel.
He said, “Everybody knows that the Kebbi State Government doesn’t play with security issues. We are here; we have seen things by ourselves. And we have directed the CMD (Chief Medical Director) of the hospital to ensure they do the needful for those who are receiving treatment.
“And at the same time, for those who lost their lives, the government of Kebbi will do everything possible to assist the family. It is a great loss and it is a very sad situation. But we have to accept what has happened in good faith.
“These are the soldiers who are protecting the lives of Kebbi residents, yet they found themselves in this situation. The Kebbi State Government will not relent in its efforts to protect the lives of its citizens.
“We have sympathy for the 11 soldiers and one police officer who lost their lives while on a rescue mission,” he said.
The governor described the Lakurawa group as callous and assured that the state government would support security efforts. He also promised to meet with the Chief of Defence Staff in Abuja over the incident.
“We will replace the two operational vehicles burned by the bandits,” he added.
Idris commended the military officers for their efforts and urged them to remain steadfast.
‘We’ve been under terror attacks’
‘We’ve been under terror attacks’
A resident, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said Lakurawa members had been terrorising communities in the area for some time.
He said, “It was because of this that the soldiers were deployed to the area, but unfortunately, they were ambushed by the gunmen.”
Another resident added, “When we alerted the soldiers about the Lakurawa moving towards a construction company yard, we never expected they would be ambushed. It was a terrible situation on Tuesday night.”
During his visit to Giro Masa, where the ambush occurred, the Emir of Yauri, Dr Zayyanu Abdullahi, expressed concern over the killing of the soldiers. He said he was worried about the recurring security challenges in the area.
The royal father called for improved intelligence gathering, reconnaissance and the deployment of modern technology, including drones, to reduce casualties and strengthen security operations. He also commended the governor’s prompt visit to the scene and prayed for lasting peace and protection for the state and the nation.