At least 11 soldiers and one police officer were killed in an ambush by gunmen in Giro Masa community, Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The attack happened on Tuesday night. Security operatives, who had been monitoring the area for some time, reportedly traced the gunmen to a construction company yard.
According to sources, soldiers were sent to secure the site after receiving a tip-off, but they were ambushed on the way. During the attack, the police officer and soldiers were killed, and two military trucks were set ablaze.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, visited the accident and emergency unit of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, where the victims were receiving treatment.
Speaking to journalists after his visit, the governor called the attack “unfortunate and barbaric.”
He assured residents that the state government would pay medical bills for the injured and provide support to the families of the deceased security personnel.
“Everybody knows that the Kebbi State Government doesn’t play with security issues. We are here; we have seen things by ourselves. And we have directed the CMD of the hospital to ensure they do the needful for those who are receiving treatment.
“And at the same time, for those who lost their lives, the government of Kebbi will do everything possible to assist the family. It is a great loss and it is a very sad situation. But we have to accept what has happened in good faith.
“These are the soldiers who are protecting the lives of Kebbi residents, yet they found themselves in this situation. The Kebbi State Government will not relent in its efforts to protect the lives of its citizens.
“We have sympathy for the 11 soldiers and one police officer who lost their lives while on a rescue mission,” he said.
The governor described the Lakurawa group as callous and promised that the state government would support security operations. He also said he would meet with the Chief of Defence Staff in Abuja to discuss the incident.
“We will replace the two operational vehicles burned by the bandits,” Idris added.
He commended the military officers for their dedication and urged them to remain focused.
“I thank the military for doing their best and being alive to their responsibility. This incident should not make you relax; continue to show professionalism,” he told the soldiers.
