Suspected bandits have attacked Girkau community in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing five residents, injuring others and abducting several people.
The Sokoto bandit attack occurred despite a security alert reportedly issued by the Sokoto State Police Command following intelligence about a planned assault on communities in Kebbe LGA.
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According to Crisis Reporter in the North-West, Bakastine, the attackers spent several hours inside Girkau during the invasion, leaving residents with few places to seek safety.
In a post on X on Friday, Bakastine said five residents were killed while four others sustained injuries during the attack.
He also reported that the assailants rustled a large number of cattle before leaving the community.
Two additional killings were reported in Dukura and Jabga, both within Girkau Ward, according to the report.
A vigilante was also reportedly abducted during the attack, with the bandits taking his locally made firearm.
The fresh assault has deepened fears among residents over renewed bandit activity in Kebbe Local Government Area.
The attack came after reports that suspected bandits had demanded a N40 million levy from residents of Kebbe town.
The attackers were reportedly said to have threatened to invade the community if the money was not paid.
The latest incident has raised further questions about the effectiveness of security measures in the area, particularly following the reported intelligence alert ahead of the attack.
Residents in parts of Sokoto and other North-West states have continued to face threats from armed groups involved in kidnapping, cattle rustling and the imposition of illegal levies.
The latest violence is expected to heighten pressure on security agencies to intensify operations and protect vulnerable communities across Kebbe LGA.
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As concerns grow, residents are likely to look to the authorities for stronger preventive measures, faster responses to intelligence and sustained operations against the criminal groups operating in the area.
