Metro/Crime

Sokoto Communities: Police confirm five deaths in attack

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Police authorities in Sokoto has confirmed the killing of five persons, and three others sustained injuries, following a bandits’ invasion of communities in the Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The attack took place on Thursday evening, affecting Girkau and neighbouring communities in Girkau Ward, with the assailants also abducting residents and rustling cattle, report reveals.

Confirming the incident, the Sokoto State Police Command’s spokesperson, Ahmed Rufai, said five persons were killed, three others were injured, and unspecified animals were rustled in the attack.

Rufai said the command was still gathering additional information on the incident, while security agencies continued efforts to address the security challenges confronting the affected communities.

Local sources said the attackers moved into Dukura and Jabga, also in Girkau Ward, killing one person in each of the communities.

Several residents were reportedly abducted during the invasion, including young boys and girls, while a vigilante member was also taken away after his locally made firearm was seized by the attackers.

The bandits were said to have remained in the Girkau community for several hours before leaving the area with a large number of cattle.

The incident came barely days after bandits reportedly imposed a ₦40 million levy on Kebbe town on Tuesday afternoon, further highlighting the increasing pressure on communities across the local government area.

Residents have consequently called for increased security presence and more sustained operations to prevent further attacks, abductions and livestock rustling in the area.

The police spokesman revealed that the command was still gathering additional information on the incident, while security agencies continued efforts to address the security challenges confronting the affected communities.