4 soldiers feared dead as bandits attack Sokoto community

On Friday, suspected bandits attacked Kebbe town in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State, leaving four soldiers feared dead. The attackers, arriving in a large number around 10 am, were reportedly armed with sophisticated weapons and arrived on motorcycles. Over 200 motorcycles were counted, and the bandits looted shops, stole mobile phones, food items and petrol, and moved freely throughout the town.

The Divisional Police Headquarters was targeted, with the bandits entering the hospital and destroying a vehicle belonging to the Divisional Police Officer. Additionally, a military base on the outskirts of the town was attacked, resulting in a fierce gun battle between the attackers and the troops. According to a security source, three soldiers were killed during the confrontation, while a fourth soldier, who was injured and evacuated to the hospital, later succumbed to his injuries.

The attackers were believed to have originated from Bukuyyum in neighboring Zamfara State, and were reportedly heading towards Kebbi State to confront Lakurawa when they diverted to Kebbe. In response to the attack, additional troops and an Air Force jet were deployed to the area to contain the situation. The General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, personally visited Kebbe to assess the situation.