28 persons, including the Chief Imam of Ungushi Izala Jumu’at Mosque, Imam Aliyu, were reportedly killed when bandits attacked Ungushi community in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Sunday evening.
The attack came amid renewed security concerns in Kebbe, where communities have recently faced threats from armed groups allegedly linked to the Lakurawa terrorist organisation.
Confirming the incident, the spokesman of the command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said it was difficult to ascertain the actual number of victims.
He, however, said no fewer than 28 corpses were recovered in the aftermath of the incident.
Residents said the attackers invaded Ungushi in the evening and opened fire on residents, killing 22 people, mostly civilians.
The killing of Imam Aliyu, a respected religious leader in the community, has particularly shocked residents, who said the victims included farmers, traders, religious leaders and other members of the community.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said, “These are ordinary people. They are farmers, traders, religious leaders and family members. They have done nothing to deserve this.”
Another source said the attack had heightened fear among residents, with some families fleeing their homes following reports of fresh displacement from neighbouring communities.
“People are no longer sleeping peacefully. Families are leaving their homes because they fear another attack. We need urgent intervention before more communities are deserted,” the source said.
The latest killings followed reports on Friday that a large number of armed men on motorcycles had entered parts of Kebbe LGA, allegedly attacking residents, looting shops and damaging property.
The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed that an incident occurred in the area but said it was still gathering information before issuing a detailed statement.
Amid the renewed threats, the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Bemgba Koughna, visited the Forward Operating Base, Kebbe, on Sunday, to assess the security situation and reassure residents of the readiness of troops to confront the threats.
Koughna also met community leaders and residents, listened to their concerns and reviewed the security situation in the area.
He said the Nigerian Army had adjusted its security architecture to prevent further infiltration by terrorists and protect vulnerable communities.
“Troops remain fully deployed, highly alert and operationally focused on protecting lives and property,” the GOC said.
He added that measures had been put in place to ensure emerging threats were quickly identified and contained before they escalated.
“The Nigerian Army remains unwavering in its determination to respond swiftly and decisively to any emerging threats,” Koughna said.
The Army chief assured residents that terrorist elements would not be allowed to establish safe havens in Kebbe and its surrounding communities.
“We will continue to maintain a robust presence in this area and ensure that our troops remain ready to respond to any threat to the peace and security of the people,” he said.
Koughna urged residents not to panic and appealed for stronger collaboration between the military and communities, particularly through timely sharing of credible intelligence.
“Community support remains a critical component in detecting, disrupting and dismantling terrorist networks before they can launch attacks,” he said.
He urged community leaders and residents to report suspicious movements, unfamiliar persons and other activities that could pose security threats.
The GOC reiterated the commitment of troops to protecting lives, property and critical infrastructure in Kebbe and other vulnerable communities within the operational area.
“We will not allow criminal elements to intimidate our people or disrupt their livelihoods. Our troops are prepared and will continue to operate with determination and professionalism,” he said.
Residents, however, called for sustained military presence and intelligence-led operations to prevent further attacks and restore confidence in the affected communities.
A community leader said continued attacks were disrupting social and economic activities in the area.
“People cannot farm, children are afraid to go to school, and families are abandoning their homes. If nothing is done urgently, we may witness the complete displacement of these communities,” he said.
The Army’s operational assessment formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security around Kebbe and other vulnerable communities following recent incidents in the area.
The visit was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army and Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt Col Olaniyi Osoba
