Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A fresh wave of terror has swept through Girkau community in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State, as armed bandits invaded the village, killing five residents, injuring four others, and rustling a large number of cattle in a raid that lasted for hours, according to a report by security analyst Bakatsine on X. The attackers reportedly spent several hours inside the community, moving with impunity and leaving residents with nowhere safe to seek shelter. The brazenness of the assault has sent shockwaves through the region, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of security agencies in protecting vulnerable communities.
The invasion of Girkau is the latest in a series of devastating attacks that have turned Kebbe LGA into a theatre of bloodshed and fear. Just days earlier, on Tuesday afternoon, bandits had reportedly imposed a staggering N40 million levy on residents of Kebbe town, threatening to kill residents and burn the community to ashes if the money was not paid within a stipulated deadline. The gunmen conveyed the demand through a farmer, who delivered a telephone handset to the District Head of Kebbe, instructing that the phone must remain charged and reachable, warning that failure to answer their calls could trigger an attack. The fact that the attackers were able to remain in Girkau for hours is particularly worrying, suggesting that the bandits are operating with a level of confidence that points to either a breakdown of law enforcement or a calculated strategy to terrorise communities into submission.
The attack on Girkau comes amid a growing pattern of violence that has seen armed groups impose so-called "peace taxes" on rural communities across Sokoto State. In June, bandits imposed multi-million-naira levies on at least 26 communities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, with demands ranging between N4 million and N6 million per community. The Kebbe incident represents a significant escalation, both in the amount demanded and the direct threat to the community's existence. On August 14, more than 300 suspected Lakurawa fighters invaded Kebbe town, killing four soldiers and looting shops. Three days later, on August 17, suspected bandits attacked Ungushi community, also in Kebbe LGA, killing at least 32 residents, including the Chief Imam of Ungushi Izala Jumu'at Mosque.
The repeated attacks have left residents living in constant fear, with many questioning the government's ability to protect them. The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed it is aware of the threats and has commenced efforts to address the situation, but the lack of a visible security presence in Girkau during the hours-long raid has further eroded public confidence. The African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Sokoto, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan'iya, has described the situation as "grave" and urged the state and Federal Governments to take immediate action to protect communities. "What has happened to those promises? What has the APC Government in Sokoto done differently to stop bandits from dictating terms to our communities?" he asked.
As the people of Girkau and surrounding communities mourn their dead and count their losses, the question on everyone's lips is: how many more communities must be attacked before the government takes decisive action to end the cycle of violence that has turned Kebbe LGA into a killing field? For now, the residents of Girkau are left to grapple with the trauma of an attack that has once again exposed the fragility of their security and the urgent need for sustained military intervention to protect lives and property.
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