The Kebbi State Police Command has verified that 33 individuals lost their lives following a violent assault on Bui District in Arewa Local Government Area, an incident linked to a deadly cattle-rustling operation carried out by armed assailants.
This confirmation was provided in a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Kebbi Police Command, Bashir Usman.
“In response, the Command, in collaboration with the military and other security agencies, has deployed additional personnel and operational assets to the affected area. Sustained area domination patrols are currently underway to restore and maintain stability,” Usman’s statement read.
The police expressed profound sorrow over the fatalities and conveyed their sympathies to the families of the victims as well as the broader Arewa community affected by the tragedy.
According to the statement, early findings from investigations suggest that individuals suspected to be Lakurawa militants infiltrated Bui District with the intention of stealing livestock.
Authorities believe the armed group entered the district from Gudu Local Government Area in neighbouring Sokoto State before carrying out the operation.
Reports indicate that residents from Mamunu, Awasaka, Tungan Tsoho, Makangara, Kanzo, Gorun Naidal, and Dan Mai Ago rallied together in reaction to the intrusion, which ultimately resulted in a deadly clash between locals and the armed attackers.
The Police Command underscored that situations involving heavily armed criminal groups demand a well-coordinated response from security agencies rather than spontaneous civilian action.
“Preliminary investigations confirm that armed Lakurawa militants entered the area to rustle cattle,” the police said.
“The Command emphasizes that incidents involving armed criminal elements require coordinated security intervention,” the statement read.
“Members of the public are urged to promptly report suspicious movements through established security channels rather than engage directly, as such confrontations pose grave risks.”
Local residents and security sources revealed that the attackers descended on villages in the remote border district and began firing at inhabitants in what survivors described as organised and indiscriminate attacks.
The violence sparked widespread fear, forcing numerous residents to abandon their homes as the gunmen moved through communities and targeted civilians.
Following the incident, security personnel have been stationed in the affected communities to stabilise the situation, provide assistance to survivors, and prevent the perpetrators from escaping. Authorities have also commenced tracking operations aimed at apprehending those responsible.
What you should know
33 people were confirmed dead after suspected Lakurawa militants allegedly entered Bui District in Kebbi State to steal cattle, triggering a confrontation with residents. The attackers are believed to have crossed from Gudu Local Government Area in Sokoto State.
Security agencies, including the police and military, have deployed additional forces to the area, initiated sustained patrols, and launched tracking efforts to capture the perpetrators.
Police have cautioned residents against directly confronting armed groups and advised them to report suspicious activities through official security channels. The attack caused panic across several villages, leading many residents to flee their homes.
