49 Villagers, 10 Bandits Killed in Coordinated Attacks

In a series of coordinated attacks across Kebbi and Kwara states, no fewer than 49 villagers were confirmed dead, while 10 suspected bandits were killed by troops during military operations. The violence, which particularly affected Shanga Local Government Area in Kebbi, has raised fears of worsening insecurity in rural communities frequently targeted by armed groups.

The Kebbi State Police Command reported that 44 casualties resulted from these attacks, leading to the deployment of security forces to restore calm and conduct investigations. In response to the violence, Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq announced the formation of a high-power security strategy committee to address rising insecurity, emphasizing the heroism of slain forest guards.

The committee, chaired by retired Major General G. Wahab, aims to provide strategic guidance for long-term security plans.

The attacks in Kwara also resulted in the deaths of five forest guards during an assault on their camp in Nuku Village, prompting condemnation from police officials.