No fewer than 40 people were killed on Wednesday after suspected Lakurawa terrorists carried out coordinated attacks on several rural communities in Kebbi State.
The deadly assaults took place in villages within Arewa Local Government Area, including Bui and surrounding settlements. Residents said the attackers stormed the remote border communities and opened fire, leaving many civilians dead in what was described as a well-planned and indiscriminate operation.
Local accounts indicated that 16 people were killed in Mamunu, five in Awashaka, three in Masama, while two people each lost their lives in at least five other villages. The sudden violence forced many residents to flee their homes as gunmen invaded communities and shot at unarmed civilians.
Security personnel have since been deployed to the affected areas to secure the communities, assist survivors and prevent the attackers from escaping. Search-and-tracking operations are currently ongoing.
The state government expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as a brutal and unprovoked attack that claimed the lives of innocent residents, many of whom were observing religious fasting.
Authorities assured residents that all necessary resources would be mobilised to protect lives and property across the state. The government also stated that it is working closely with security agencies to clamp down on the attackers, who are believed to have crossed into the state from neighbouring regions.
While mourning the victims, the government pledged immediate support for survivors and families affected by the violence, stressing that efforts would continue until peace and security are fully restored in the area.
