Fresh attacks in Kebbi State have left at least 68 vigilantes, 17 soldiers and five police officers dead after bandits ambushed them.

Witnesses from the communities of Sakaba, Kanya, Wasagu told Peoples Gazette that the attacks occurred between Monday evening and late Tuesday. All five communities are located in Zuru Emirate Local government of Kebbi state.

As of Tuesday morning, the soldiers’ remains had been recovered.  Efforts to reach the Kebbi Police Command Spokesman Nafiu Abubakar proved abortive as phone calls went unanswered.  

The attacks in Kebbi come amid previous attacks in the state and encouragement by President Muhammadu Buhari to security forces.

In a statement by spokesman Garba Shehu on Monday, Mr Buhari conveyed sadness over what he described as the brutal murder of tens of vigilante members in Kebbi State by bandits who ambushed them in the Sakaba/Wassagu Local Government Area. 

“This egregious level of criminality is shocking and I want to assure Nigerians that I will do all it takes to tackle this monster decisively. My greatest preoccupation is the threat to life posed by these murderous gangs and remorseless outlaws who have no slightest regard for the sanctity of life,” Mr Buhari said.

Mr Buhari compelled the security personnel them be more proactive and redouble their efforts in order to frustrate the operational plans of the terrorists before they launch attacks.