Bandits Kill Police Officer, Two Residents, Burn Security Vehicles In Fresh Sokoto Attack

A police officer and two civilians have been killed after suspected Lakurawa militants attacked Girkau community in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State, setting security vehicles ablaze, rustling cattle and leaving several residents injured.

The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the incident on Tuesday, stating that officers swiftly responded after receiving a distress call and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, eventually forcing them to retreat.

Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Rufai, disclosed that one officer lost his life during the exchange, while two security vehicles—belonging to the Nigeria Police Force and the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps—were destroyed by fire.

“It is unfortunate that we lost one of our men during the attack. We received a distress call from the community and immediately mobilised our personnel to the scene. We were able to repel the Lakurawa bandits, but during the exchange of gunfire, one of our officers paid the supreme price,” Rufai said.

“They burnt two vehicles, one belonging to the police and the other to the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps,” he added.

The command said security operations have been reinforced across the affected area to prevent further attacks and safeguard lives and property.

Residents Recount Deadly Assault

Residents said the attackers, heavily armed, stormed Girkau community and began shooting indiscriminately, forcing many people to flee for safety.

Community members identified the deceased police officer as Hussaini Manyu. They also confirmed that an elderly resident, Bala Wakili, and a young herder were killed during the attack. According to locals, the herder was shot after refusing to surrender his cattle to the assailants.

A farmer reportedly sustained gunshot wounds while working on his farmland and is currently receiving medical treatment. Another resident alleged that the attackers assaulted a married woman after she resisted an attempted sexual assault.

Community Calls for Stronger Security Presence

A community leader, who requested anonymity for security reasons, described the attack as one of the most devastating incidents recorded in the area in recent months.

“What happened in Girkau is heartbreaking. We lost a police officer who was defending the community, an elderly man and a young herder. They also burnt security vehicles and took away many cattle. Our people are living in fear because these attacks are becoming too frequent,” the source said.

Another resident revealed that the community had repeatedly alerted security agencies about suspicious movements before the attack occurred.

“We had been calling for more security presence because we noticed unusual movements around the area. Unfortunately, our fears have now become reality. Innocent people have been killed, families have been thrown into mourning and many residents have fled for safety,” the resident said.

Residents have appealed to both the Federal Government and the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations in Kebbe Local Government Area and surrounding communities to stem the recurring attacks by armed groups.