The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of four individuals by suspected Lakurawa bandits in Gumki village, located in Arewa Local Government Area near the Nigeria-Niger Republic border. The attack occurred on January 10, 2025, at approximately 8:47 p.m., targeting a construction site in the community.

Victims and Circumstances

The victims include:

• One resident of Gumki village.
• Three staff members of Airtel Communications Nigeria Limited, who were working on a surveillance mast installation project for the Nigeria Immigration Service.

The bandits reportedly stormed the site and carried out the killings before fleeing the area.

Police Response

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, on behalf of the Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, it was revealed that the police acted promptly upon receiving the report.

• Evacuation: The Commissioner of Police and the Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, CIS Muhammad Bashir Lawali, led a team to the scene and evacuated the bodies to Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi.
• Security Measures: The CP reviewed the security architecture of the affected area and deployed additional tactical teams to counter the bandits.
• Directive to Tactical Teams: The teams were instructed to take decisive action against the Lakurawa bandits operating in the region.

Stakeholder Engagement

In efforts to restore calm, CP Bello Sani convened a meeting with critical stakeholders in the area. During the meeting, he emphasized the importance of community cooperation with security agencies.

“Residents are urged to provide timely and relevant information to assist security forces in delivering prompt responses,” the statement read.

Next Steps

The Kebbi State Police Command has intensified efforts to strengthen security in Gumki and surrounding communities. The Commissioner reassured residents of the government’s commitment to tackling insecurity and safeguarding lives and property.

Context

This attack highlights the persistent security challenges in border communities in northern Nigeria, where bandits often exploit the proximity to neighboring countries to evade capture. Security agencies continue to grapple with these threats, and collaborative efforts between communities and law enforcement remain crucial for addressing the issue effectively.