The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of eight people in coordinated assaults carried out by gunmen on Kaiwa, Gelawu and Gebbe villages in Shanga Local Government Area of the state.
The attacks, which were launched unexpectedly, reportedly sparked panic across the affected communities, forcing many residents to flee to neighbouring villages and nearby bushes in search of safety.
Speaking with Channels Television, the spokesperson of the Kebbi State Police Command, Bashir Usman, said seven people lost their lives during the attacks, while an eighth victim later died while receiving treatment.
He added that one other injured person is currently responding to medical care.
Usman disclosed that security agencies have commenced coordinated operations in the affected areas, with increased patrols and surveillance to prevent further attacks.
“Security agencies have sustained coordinated operations within the affected areas, while intensified patrols and surveillance are ongoing to forestall further breaches,” he said, adding that more details could not be released as the operation remains ongoing.
Residents described the incident as devastating, noting that the communities had not witnessed such levels of violence in many years.
“The entire area is in shock. People are afraid to return home,” a resident said.
Security personnel have since been deployed to the villages to restore calm, while residents have appealed to the state government to bolster security in the area.