Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Sokoto State Government has declared a total war against terrorists and criminal elements following the deadly attack on communities in Kebbe Local Government Area, which left five people dead, three others injured, and several residents abducted in a brazen assault that has once again exposed the fragility of security in Nigeria's North-West. Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto also approved the immediate release of N9 million in financial assistance to families of the deceased and injured victims as part of immediate measures to cushion the impact of the tragedy.
The attack occurred on Thursday, September 3, 2026, when suspected bandits invaded Girkau community and other settlements within Girkau Ward, firing sporadically and forcing residents to flee for safety. The assailants also abducted an unspecified number of residents and rustled a large number of cattle. The assault came just days after bandits reportedly imposed a N40 million levy on Kebbe town, threatening to attack the community if the money was not paid. The recurring attacks have left residents living in constant fear, with many questioning the government's ability to protect them.
Acting on the directive of Governor Aliyu, a high-powered delegation led by the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Prof. Jabir Sani Maihulla, visited the affected communities on Saturday, September 5, to commiserate with bereaved families, console survivors, and deliver financial and material assistance. Under the emergency relief package, the government disbursed N8 million to the families of eight deceased victims, with each family receiving N1 million, alongside five bags of food items. Four injured victims also received N1 million collectively, translating to N250,000 each, as well as three bags each of rice, millet and maize.
Addressing the grieving families and residents, Maihulla expressed deep concern over the killings, describing the attack as a painful assault that had left an indelible scar on the affected families and the wider Kebbe community. "We are deeply concerned and greatly saddened by what has happened. We share in your grief and pain, and we urge the affected families to remain steadfast and continue to seek solace in Almighty Allah," he said. The commissioner conveyed Governor Aliyu's resolve to intensify the state's response to the security crisis, stressing that the government would continue to deploy available institutional, financial and logistical resources in support of security agencies operating in affected areas.
"The Governor is doing everything within his capacity to address the security challenges, including providing operational vehicles, logistical support and other necessary assistance to the security agencies to strengthen their operations and support the efforts to end the activities of the terrorists," Maihulla stated. The intervention comes amid persistent security concerns in parts of Sokoto State, where terrorist and criminal activities have continued to threaten rural communities, disrupt economic activities, and undermine agricultural livelihoods.
The Executive Chairman of Kebbe Local Government Council, Hon. Musa Garba Kuchi, commended Governor Aliyu for the intervention, describing it as timely and compassionate. "We profoundly appreciate His Excellency, Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, for this timely intervention, compassion and continued support to the people of Kebbe, particularly at this difficult period," Kuchi said. The Sarkin Kabbin Kebbe, Lawali Labbo Margai, and the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Bala Kokani, also commended the state government's interventions and solidarity with communities affected by insecurity, while praying for lasting peace across Kebbe and the state.
As the government moves to strengthen security operations, residents of Kebbe and surrounding communities are left to mourn their dead, pray for the safe return of the abducted, and hope that the declaration of "total war" will translate into concrete action that brings an end to the cycle of violence that has turned their communities into a theatre of bloodshed. The question on everyone's lips remains: how many more communities must be attacked before lasting peace is finally restored?
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