Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Suspected bandits launched a deadly assault on Girkau community and neighbouring villages in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Thursday afternoon, September 3, 2026, killing at least five people, injuring three others, and abducting several residents, including young boys and girls. The attack, which began at approximately 2:15 p.m., caught residents off guard as they were preparing for the Zuhr prayer. The assailants, who arrived in large numbers on motorcycles, opened fire sporadically, forcing residents to flee for safety.
The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the incident on Friday, September 4, 2026. The command's spokesman, DSP Ahmad Rufai, stated that five people were killed and three others injured, while an unspecified number of cattle were rustled. Rufai added that the police were still gathering information about the incident, including the number of residents who may have been abducted. However, a resident of the area, Abubakar, told Punch that the attackers also invaded Dukura and Jabga communities, both within Girkau Ward, where one person was reportedly killed in each location. Abubakar said several residents, including young boys and girls, were abducted during the attack. A vigilante member was also abducted after the attackers seized his locally made firearm.
A security operative who spoke on condition of anonymity identified four of the deceased as Dogo Dan Barkeji, 50; Baban Gida Abdullahi, 28; Abubakar Dan Yaki, 50; and Abubakar Aliyu, 35. The fifth victim was an unidentified resident of Dukura who had travelled to Girkau to carry out an errand. The injured victims were identified as Jamilu Abubakar, Dahiru Yahaya and Adamu Mohammed. The injured victims were taken to General Hospital, Tambuwal, for treatment.
Another resident, Usman Girkau, told Daily Trust that the attackers spent hours in the community, moving from one part to another, and eventually left with a large number of cattle. "They spent hours in the community and moved around freely. They eventually left with many cattle. The residents are now living in fear because nobody knows when they may return," he said. Residents also recalled that suspected bandits had attacked Girkau about a month ago, during which two people were shot and livestock were rustled.
The attack comes amid heightened security concerns in Kebbe LGA, where residents have reportedly faced attacks, abductions and cattle rustling. It also occurred just days after Kebbe town was reportedly subjected to a N40 million levy allegedly imposed by bandits on Tuesday afternoon, September 1, 2026. The bandits had threatened to attack the community if the money was not paid. The police did not confirm the alleged levy in its latest statement on the attack. However, DSP Rufai assured residents that security agencies remained committed to protecting lives and property in the area.
This attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have plagued Sokoto State and other parts of Nigeria's North-West, where bandits have continued to kill, kidnap and displace thousands of residents. The recurring violence has severely disrupted farming activities and forced many communities to live in constant fear. As the people of Girkau, Dukura and Jabga mourn their dead and pray for the safe return of their abducted loved ones, the question remains: 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 theatre of bloodshed?
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