Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi has revealed that several soldiers and numerous bandits died in a recent gunfight in the state.

He stated this during his visit to injured soldiers at Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi.

The soldiers suffered varying degrees of injuries following a fierce encounter with bandits on Tuesday at Marke village on the Kebbi-Zamfara border.

Mr Bagudu was accompanied by some lawmakers, including the Deputy Speaker of Kebbi House of Assembly, Mohammad Buhari-Aliero, and Majority Leader, Faruk Aliyu-Nassarawa.

“I am here with some members of the state assembly to visit soldiers of the special forces serving in Kebbi who were wounded in a very brave and courageous engagement with bandits in Zamfara two days ago. The incident also involves the loss of lives of a number of soldiers who also killed numerous bandits.

“On behalf of the people and Government of Kebbi State, we appreciate, thank and condole with them. We also commiserate with them for the regrettable tragic loss of lives that were recorded in the attack,” said the governor.

The governor also offered his condolences to President Muhammadu Buhari, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Faruk Yahaya, and the families of the deceased soldiers.

Mr Bagudu called for fervent prayers and support for the gallant troops as they continue to rid the country of bandits and other criminal elements.

He reiterated his call on Nigerians to appreciate the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies in the ongoing fight against banditry.

Special prayers were held in honour of the wounded victims and those who lost their lives in the attack.

(NAN)