Terrorists kill four in Kebbi, victims’ identities disputed

In a harrowing incident that underscores the rising insecurity in Nigeria’s northwest, terrorists from the Lakurawa group have attacked a construction site in Gumki village, Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing four people.

The attack, which occurred on Thursday, has sparked conflicting reports about the identities of the victims, with both Airtel Nigeria employees and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) staff named as casualties.

The victims were reportedly working on the installation of a surveillance mast for the Nigeria Immigration Service when the armed group stormed the site.

According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Nafiu Abubakar, the Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, three of the deceased were employees of Airtel, while one was a local resident.

However, local sources and a medical official at Sir Yahaya Specialist Hospital, where the bodies were taken, contradicted the police account, identifying the deceased as staff of the Nigeria Immigration Service.

This discrepancy has added to the tragedy, leaving questions about the exact affiliations of those killed.

The attack comes just a week after the murder of two police officers in a similar assault in the area, further highlighting the growing threat posed by terrorist groups like Lakurawa.

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Following the attack, Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bello M. Sani, and Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, CIS Muhammad Bashir Lawali, led an immediate response team to the scene. The victims’ bodies were evacuated to Sir Yahaya Specialist Hospital in Birnin Kebbi for post-mortem examinations.

In a statement, Commissioner Bello announced the deployment of additional tactical teams to Gumki village and surrounding areas. He vowed that law enforcement would take decisive action against the perpetrators and called on local residents to assist security agencies by sharing information that could lead to the apprehension of the terrorists.

The incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of workers and residents in volatile areas plagued by banditry and terrorism. Security analysts have called for enhanced surveillance and intelligence-sharing mechanisms to prevent future attacks, especially on critical infrastructure and construction projects.

As investigations continue, families of the victims and the larger community are left mourning the loss of lives while demanding swift justice for those responsible.

The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for a coordinated national response to the insecurity threatening lives and livelihoods in the region.