The Lakurawa bandits struck again on Friday, killing four individuals, including three staff members of Airtel Communication Nigeria Limited, in Gumki village, Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The attack occurred as the victims were installing a surveillance mast for the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) near the Nigeria-Niger Republic border.
Attack Details
According to a statement released on Saturday by the spokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command, Nafiu Abubakar, the incident happened at approximately 8:47 p.m. The victims were working at a construction site when the armed bandits attacked.
The statement read:
“On 10/01/2025 at about 2047hrs, suspected Lakurawa bandits invaded a construction site at Gumki village, Arewa LGA, a community between Nigeria and Niger Republic, where staff of Airtel Communication Nigeria Ltd were installing a surveillance mast for the Nigeria Immigration Service. As a result, four people lost their lives, one indigen and three staff of the Airtel company.”
Response from Security Forces
Upon receiving reports of the attack, the Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Bello M. Sani, and the Comptroller of the NIS, CIS Muhammad Bashir Lawali, promptly mobilized to the scene. They oversaw the evacuation of the corpses to Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital in Birnin Kebbi.
Additionally, the Commissioner of Police reviewed the security measures in the area, deploying extra tactical teams to tackle the bandits. He instructed the teams to act decisively to prevent further incursions and protect the local population.
Security Challenges in Border Communities
Gumki village, situated along the Nigeria-Niger Republic border, has faced repeated security challenges due to its proximity to bandit hideouts. The Lakurawa bandits, notorious for their violent activities in the region, often exploit the porous border to evade Nigerian security forces.
The deployment of additional tactical units to Gumki and surrounding areas underscores the urgency of addressing the growing threat posed by these criminal groups. The presence of critical infrastructure projects, such as the surveillance mast being installed by Airtel and the NIS, highlights the need for enhanced security in these volatile areas.
Community Impact and Government Action
The attack has left the Gumki community in mourning, with residents calling for more robust measures to protect lives and property. The death of the Airtel staff and a local resident also underscores the human cost of banditry in border regions.
The Kebbi State government, in collaboration with federal security agencies, has pledged to intensify operations against banditry and criminal activities. The government aims to restore peace and ensure the safety of infrastructure projects that are crucial for national security.
Ongoing Challenges
While the deployment of additional tactical units is a welcome step, experts warn that long-term solutions require addressing the socio-economic factors that fuel banditry. Poverty, unemployment, and the lack of basic amenities in rural communities often drive individuals toward criminal activities.
Furthermore, better coordination between Nigerian and Nigerien security forces is essential to disrupt cross-border movements and eliminate safe havens for these bandit groups.
Conclusion
The tragic killing of the Airtel staff and a local resident by the Lakurawa bandits is a stark reminder of the persistent insecurity in Nigeria’s border regions. The incident highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to combat banditry, protect critical infrastructure, and restore peace to affected communities. As security forces intensify operations, residents of Gumki and similar areas hope for tangible progress in safeguarding their lives and livelihoods.
