The police command in Kebbi has confirmed the killing of 33 people following an attack by bandits on Bui district in Arewa LGA.

Its spokesman, Bashir Usman, said in a statement on Friday that the violent attack occurred on Wednesday when armed men, suspected to be Lakurawa bandits, invaded the district with the intent to rustle cattle.

He said preliminary investigations indicated that the assailants were believed to have crossed into the area from Gudu LGA of Sokoto.

“During the attack, residents of Mamunu, Awasaka, Tungan Tsoho, Makangara, Kanzo, Gorun Naidal and Dan Mai Ago mobilised in response to the invasion. In the ensuing confrontation, 33 persons lost their lives,” he said.

The police spokesman said the command, in collaboration with the military and other security agencies, had reinforced security presence in the affected communities.

According to him, additional personnel and operational assets had been deployed, while sustained area domination patrols were ongoing to restore normalcy and prevent further attacks.

He said the command had commiserated with the families of the victims and the entire Arewa community over the tragic incident.

Mr Usman restated that violent attacks involving heavily armed criminal elements required coordinated security intervention. He urged the residents to always report suspicious movements and activities  through established security channels.

“Members of the public are advised not to engage armed criminals directly, as such actions pose grave risks to lives and property,” he cautioned.

He added that targeted operations were ongoing to track down and apprehend the perpetrators, as well as strengthen early warning mechanisms in vulnerable communities across the state.

Mr Usman urged the residents to contact the command through its control room numbers, 08038797644, 09015888578 in case of emergency.

(NAN)