A suspected bandit attack on Kurya village in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State has claimed the lives of an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Hussaini Balarabe, and a 70-year-old resident, Bala Wakili, after gunmen stormed the community on Monday night.
The attackers also injured another resident, Salisu Bala, who is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
Confirming the incident on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the assailants invaded the village in an attempt to rustle cattle but were met with fierce resistance from a joint team of police officers and personnel of the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps who responded to a distress call from residents.
According to Rufai, the security operatives successfully foiled the cattle-rustling attempt, forcing the attackers to abandon the operation as the livestock scattered into nearby forests.
During the gun battle, the bandits reportedly set ablaze a police patrol vehicle and another vehicle belonging to the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps.
Despite the loss of the police officer and a civilian, the police said the attackers also suffered significant casualties during the exchange of gunfire.
“The bandits recorded heavy casualties during the exchange, although the exact number could not be immediately ascertained as they fled into the forest.
“They are currently being trailed with a view to apprehending them and bringing them to justice,” Rufai said.
He added that the remains of the slain police officer had been deposited in an undisclosed hospital for an autopsy.
The latest attack has heightened concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of Sokoto State, especially rural communities bordering forests that have continued to face recurring attacks by armed bandits.
Residents of Kebbe and neighbouring communities have urged security agencies to intensify surveillance and sustain offensive operations against criminal gangs operating across the area.
