Juliet Ezeh
Suspected bandits have carried out a coordinated night attack on multiple communities in Kebbi State, leaving several homes destroyed and residents displaced.
The attack, which occurred late on Sunday, targeted villages including Gebe, Kawara, and Kalkami in Shanga Local Government Area. According to local accounts, the assailants took advantage of the difficult wetland terrain to launch the operation under the cover of darkness.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the communities in large numbers, setting houses ablaze and forcing residents to flee for safety. Several buildings were reportedly razed, with Kawara village suffering extensive damage.
Security sources revealed that the attackers were suspected to have crossed into Kebbi from hideouts in the notorious Wawa Forest in Niger State, an area long linked to armed banditry and criminal operations.
Confirming the incident, the Kebbi State Police Command described the assault as a coordinated attack and assured residents that security forces had been deployed.
Police spokesperson, Bashir Usman, stated that tactical units, military personnel, marine police, and local vigilantes have been mobilised to restore calm and secure affected communities.
“We express our deepest condolences to the families affected. Operations are ongoing to track down those responsible,” he said, urging residents to cooperate with security agencies.
Local sources also confirmed that parts of Tungar Bori and nearby settlements were affected by the attack, with properties destroyed and several casualties feared. However, authorities are yet to release an official figure.
The incident underscores rising insecurity in border communities between Kebbi and Niger states, where repeated cross-border attacks have continued to threaten lives and livelihoods.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.