Fifteen people have been brutally murdered by rampaging bandits who invaded Mera community in the Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State, leaving their usual trademark-sorrow, tears and blood.
The latest attack, according to the authorities, was one of the tragic security breach in the state in recent time.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Mallam Abubakar Umar Tafida, confirmed this when he paid a condolence visit to bereaved families in the community.
He reassured citizens of the state government’s commitment to preventing further attacks by improving security in the state and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Tafida emphasised that the government pledged the government’s commitment to continued collaboration with all security agencies in the state as part of the wider efforts to guarantee the safety and well-being of citizens.
The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mera, expressed profound sorrow over the brutal attack, urging unity and resilience among the people.
The 15 victims have been laid to rest in a funeral attended by the Deputy Governor, the Commissioner of Police, and the Emir.
The Mera tragic killings came hot on the heels of recent attacks across the country, especially the North, due to insecurity.
On Friday, a day after the Defence Headquarters announced the emergence of a new terror group in the North West, called the Lukarawas, two security officials comprising a member of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, and a vigilante member, were reported killed during an encounter with armed bandits terrorising Jibia Local Government Area of the state.
Five persons also sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
The hoodlums were said to have launched the attacks at about 21.15 hrs (9:15 pm), on Ka’ida, Unguwar One Boy, and Danmarke quarters, all in Jibia Township, Jibia LGA, Katsina State.
Confirming the incident via a press statement issued on Friday, the spokesman of the State Police Command, Abubakar Sadiq, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, said the injured were receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Sadiq further revealed that the Command, in collaboration with the military, members of the state community watch corps, and vigilantes, successfully foiled the attacks. The swift response of the joint security team, the spokesman revealed, was led by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Jibia Local Government Area. He added that the team engaged the bandits in fierce gun duel that lasted over an hour.
And according to Sadiq, “The superior firepower and tactical advantage of the joint security team eventually forced the bandits to retreat with unspecified number of casualties, as the operation resulted in the successful rescue of sixteen (16) victims trapped by the bandits.
“Further development will be communicated in due course, please.”
Only last Thursday, the Defence Headquarters announced the emergence of a new terror group, the Lukarawas, that has been terrorizing residents of rural communities in the North West.
The terror group emerged after the military coup, in neighbouring Niger Republic, that sacked President Mohamed Bazoum and installed a junta.
As a consequence of the coup, ECOWAS, led by Nigeria, imposed sanctions on Niger Republic, an action that did not sit well with leaders of the junta. Though the sanctions were later lifted, Niger pulled out of ECOWAS and halted military partnerships with Nigeria, including its membership of the Multi-National Joint Task Force that involves Chad and Benin Republic.
