A wave of terror swept through Kebbi State on Sunday as suspected gunmen launched a brutal attack on Birnin Dede village, killing 13 people and setting seven villages ablaze in what appears to be a deadly reprisal.
Local sources say the attack was in retaliation for the recent killing of a notorious terrorist leader, Maigemu, by security operatives. Malam Umar, a resident, recounted the horror, revealing that only one village was spared, thanks to the presence of soldiers.
“The terrorists set fire to multiple villages, leaving behind destruction. Only one village was untouched because soldiers were stationed there,” he said.
The attack comes days after a security operation led by the Kebbi State Government successfully eliminated Maigemu, a feared terrorist kingpin. Governor Nasir Idris had backed the operation as part of efforts to curb violence in the state.
Meanwhile, efforts to obtain an official response from the Kebbi State Police Command have been met with silence, as spokesperson SP Nafiu Abubakar has not responded to calls or messages.
The incident has left residents in shock and fear, raising concerns about the worsening security situation in the region.
