Death toll in kebbi: bandits attack residents of Augie, gov’t donates N50M to deceased families
By: John Bassey.
Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has donated N50 million to the families of vigilantes killed and others injured in Sunday’s attack by suspected Lakurawa bandits.
The governor announced the donation on Monday during a condolence visit to Yola District in Augie Local Government Area, where he sympathized with the families of the victims.
He described the gesture as a modest effort by the state government to support the bereaved families and the injured during this difficult time, emphasizing that it was not compensation for the tragic loss.
Governor Idris, visibly disturbed by the incident, condemned the recurring attacks, blaming them on the failure of neighboring states to effectively secure their borders.
He said the bandits often infiltrate Kebbi from other states, carry out attacks, and retreat, taking advantage of the lax security measures in those areas.
“We have been doing our best, unlike our neighbors,” he lamented. “These bandits are exploiting the lack of proactive approach in those states, entering Kebbi to commit atrocities and flee afterward.”
The governor advised residents and vigilantes not to pursue the bandits, urging them to leave such actions to security agencies to avoid further casualties.
He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and property, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to spending any amount necessary to ensure the safety of all citizens.
He noted that significant progress had been made in restoring peace to Kebbi South and vowed to extend those gains across the entire state.
“We will not despair or relent until every part of Kebbi is safe for all,” the governor assured.
Dr. Idris also condemned the actions of some unpatriotic individuals allegedly serving as informants to bandits, calling their behavior shameful and destructive.
The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mohammed Mera, commended the governor for the visit and the financial support, describing the gesture as timely and impactful on the victims’ families.
He also praised the government’s efforts in addressing security challenges and echoed the call for civilians to avoid direct confrontation with the bandits.
Chairman of Augie Local Government, Alhaji Yahaya Augie, also lauded the governor’s swift intervention, both in supporting the victims and in combating the recurring security threats in the area.
He encouraged residents to share intelligence with security agencies rather than engaging bandits directly.
On Sunday, suspected Lakurawa bandits launched coordinated attacks on the villages of Garu, Murai, Unguwar Ladan, Unguwar Mai Rakumi, Unguwar Mai Turu, and Binnani.
They rustled cattle and ambushed a group of vigilantes who were pursuing them, killing several of them in the process.
