Gunmen on Monday launched a deadly attack on Gebbe community in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State, leaving several residents feared killed and many others injured, as survivors fled in panic to neighbouring villages and nearby bushes.
Local sources said the attackers stormed the community without warning, firing sporadically and causing widespread fear and confusion among residents. The sudden assault, described by locals as the worst the area has witnessed in many years, forced people to abandon their homes in search of safety.
“The community is traumatised. We have not experienced this level of violence in a long time,” a resident said, describing scenes of chaos as families ran for their lives.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of casualties could not be confirmed. Residents scattered in different directions during the attack, making it difficult to immediately determine the number of people killed or injured. Some villagers were said to have taken refuge in nearby communities, while others hid in surrounding bushes to escape the gunmen.
Confirming the incident, the Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, told The PUNCH that the attack did occur and that security operatives had been deployed to the area to restore order.
“We have been informed of the attack, and the command has deployed a tactical team to the area to get the real information of what happened and the number of victims,” Usman said. He added that officers were currently assessing the situation and that a detailed statement would be issued once investigations were concluded.
Residents who spoke on condition of anonymity said security agencies had begun moving into the community to stabilise the area and prevent further violence. However, many expressed fear that the attackers could return, calling for a sustained security presence.
Meanwhile, worried residents appealed to the Kebbi State Government and relevant security agencies to intervene urgently, describing the attack as deadly and devastating. They called for increased patrols and long-term measures to protect rural communities from violent attacks.
Efforts to reach the village head for comments were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone were not answered as of press time.
