A police officer and two civilians have been killed after suspected Lakurawa militants attacked Girkau community in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State, burning two security vehicles, injuring several residents and rustling an unspecified number of cattle.

The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the attack on Tuesday, saying operatives responded swiftly to a distress call and engaged the assailants in a gun battle before forcing them to retreat.

Police spokesperson, Ahmed Rufai, said one officer was killed in the line of duty, while vehicles belonging to the Nigeria Police Force and the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps were set ablaze during the assault.

“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.

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

Rufai said the command had reinforced security operations across the area, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and property against further attacks.

Residents said the heavily armed attackers stormed the community on Monday, opened fire on security personnel and villagers, forcing many residents to flee for safety.

Community sources identified the slain police officer as Hussaini Manyu, while the two civilians killed were an elderly resident, Bala Wakili, and a young herder who was reportedly shot after refusing to surrender his cattle to the attackers.

They also disclosed that a farmer sustained gunshot wounds while working on his farmland and is receiving medical treatment, while a married woman was allegedly assaulted after resisting an attempted sexual assault during the invasion.

A community leader, who spoke anonymously for security reasons, described the incident as one of the most devastating attacks 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 community leader said.

Another resident said the community had repeatedly alerted security agencies about suspicious movements around the area before the attack.

“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 appealed to the Federal Government and the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations across Kebbe and neighbouring local government areas to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among affected communities. (The Sun)

Update news