Three vigilantes from Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State were reportedly killed by suspected bandits on Friday. The victims, identified as Abubakar Mai Nera, Tanko Sarki, and Amadu Saminaka, were said to be from Saminaka and Bakinturu communities in Shanga LGA. They were attacked while returning from Agwara in Niger State. Local sources reported that the vigilantes were ambushed around Kasabo, Binuwa, and Mago communities, across the River Kwara, along the Kebbi-Niger border.
According to local sources, the attackers set the victims ablaze after killing them. A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the bodies of the vigilantes have not been recovered. The incident has heightened concern among residents of communities along the Kebbi-Niger border, where attacks by armed groups have continued to pose security challenges. The area has been plagued by banditry and kidnappings in recent times.
Search teams and members of the affected communities are still making efforts to locate the bodies of the killed vigilantes. A resident said the search is ongoing, and they are hoping that the bodies will be found so that the families can give them a proper burial. The incident has sparked fear among residents, who are calling for increased security measures to protect them from the attacks.
The Kebbi State Police Command said it was unaware of the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said he could not confirm the report, noting that the alleged incident occurred in Niger State. However, he acknowledged that the vigilantes were from Kebbi State. The police have not made any further comments on the incident.
The identities of the attackers and the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths could not be independently verified as of press time. The incident is a setback for the efforts to curb banditry and insecurity in the region. The Kebbi-Niger border has been a hotspot for bandit activities, with several attacks reported in recent months.
The killing of the vigilantes has raised concerns about the security situation in the region. Residents are calling for increased security measures to protect them from the attacks. The incident has also highlighted the need for better coordination between the security agencies to tackle the issue of banditry.
The incident is a reminder of the security challenges facing the region. The authorities have been urged to take concrete steps to address the issue of banditry and ensure the safety of residents. The families of the killed vigilantes have been left to mourn their loved ones, who were killed while trying to protect their communities.
Key points
- Three vigilantes killed by suspected bandits along the Kebbi-Niger border.
- The incident has heightened concern among residents of communities along the Kebbi-Niger border.
- The police have not confirmed the incident, citing jurisdictional issues.
