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KEBBI DEVELOPMENT FORUM MOURNS VICTIMS OF BANDIT ATTACKS IN ZURU AND DANKO/WASAGU

The Kebbi Development Forum (KDF) has expressed deep sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the Government of Kebbi State, the Zuru Emirate, and the families affected by the recent brutal attacks by bandits in Tadurga and Kyabu, which claimed the lives of many innocent people. In a statement, Public Affairs Officer Abubakar Bello Abdullahi said the Forum is deeply saddened by this senseless tragedy and stands in full solidarity with the bereaved communities during this painful time. “We pray for the peaceful repose of the departed souls and ask Almighty God to comfort the grieving families, heal the wounded, and restore calm and security to the affected areas,” Abdullahi said. The Forum also joins the entire people of Kebbi in mourning the departed and reaffirms its belief in the sanctity of life. Abubakar Bello Abdullahi emphasized the need for collective empathy and actions to help victims overcome their trauma and rebuild their communities. While commending the bravery of security forces, the KDF believes that improved coordination, sustained military action, and proactive intelligence-led operations are vital to safeguarding life and property and restoring public confidence. “We commend the courage of our security forces but urge more proactive and intelligence-driven strategies to protect lives and property,” Abubakar Bello Abdullahi added. The KDF has called on both the Kebbi State Government and the Federal Government to work together to scale up efforts to address the worsening security challenges affecting not only Kebbi State but the entire North-West and the nation at large.

BANDITS STORM KEBBI CHURCH, ABDUCT FEMALE WORSHIPPERS

Suspected bandits believed to be members of the Lakurawa group have abducted several female worshippers during a church service in Zagani village, Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The attack occurred on Sunday, and the victims were taken away by the gunmen who invaded the village, located near the Zamfara border. The Chairman of Danko-Wasagu LGA, Hussaini Aliyu Bena, confirmed the attack and expressed concern over the disturbing trend of bandits targeting neighboring Kebbi State. “We are yet to get the names of the victims due to poor network coverage in the area. No contact has been established with anyone regarding their whereabouts,” Bena stated. According to Bena, the bandits may have seen Kebbi as a vulnerable target for attacks and abductions after reaching agreements with authorities in Zamfara. He assured that fresh arrangements have been finalized for a full-scale deployment of security forces to bolster security in the border communities. The Kebbi State Government also confirmed the incident, stating that at least 10 worshippers were abducted. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, added that some church members were injured during the attack. “Some of our members were injured, and some were taken away,” he said, referring to the worshippers. As of the time of this report, the Kebbi State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement on the incident. The exact name of the affected church and the identities of the abducted victims remain unknown, but authorities are working to rescue them.

KEBBI POLICE RESCUE KIDNAPPED FEDERAL UNIVERSITY STUDENT UNHURT

The Kebbi State Police Command has successfully rescued a 23-year-old student of the Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Augustine Madubiya, who was kidnapped on April 8, 2025, at Unguwar Jeji, Kalgo Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The rescue operation was carried out by a combined team of policemen and vigilantes at Dakingari forest on April 10, 2025. According to the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M Sani, the kidnappers abandoned their victim and fled upon sighting the security personnel. Madubiya, a 400-level student of the Economic Department, was found unhurt and is currently receiving medical treatment before being reunited with his family. CP Bello M Sani commended the bravery and professionalism of the Divisional Police Officer, Dakingari, and his team, stating, “The Command’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of the peace-loving people of Kebbi State remains unwavering.” The successful rescue operation was followed by a stakeholders’ meeting with the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Sen. Abubakar Umar, Tafidan Kabi, and the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Muhammad Umar Zayyanu. The meeting focused on improving the security architecture of off-campus hostels, addressing concerns over inadequate accommodation forcing students to reside off-campus. The Kebbi State Government and the police have assured strengthened security around the university and its surroundings. The Vice Chancellor has appealed for support to address the hostel deficit, ensuring students’ safety and well-being. No ransom was paid during the rescue operation, demonstrating the authorities’ commitment to upholding the law and protecting citizens.

KEBBI GOVERNOR’S AIDE SUSPENDED FOR BRINGING SNAKE TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Kabir Sani-Giant, the Special Adviser to Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State on Power and Politics, has been suspended with immediate effect by the All Progressives Congress (APC). The suspension was announced by the APC secretary in Kebbi State, Sa’idu Muhammad-Kimba, in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, on Sunday. According to Muhammad-Kimba, Sani-Giant’s suspension was due to an incident on February 8, where he brought a snake to the Government House, causing panic among dignitaries, statesmen, and officials. The APC secretary stated that Sani-Giant’s conduct could embarrass and discredit the party, and that his actions violated the APC’s constitution. Muhammad-Kimba emphasized that the party deemed Sani-Giant’s behavior as “offensive and embarrassing.” He added that the suspension would remain in place pending further investigation and possible disciplinary action, which could lead to expulsion if repeated. As Muhammad-Kimba noted, “His suspension remains in place pending further investigation and possible disciplinary action, which could lead to expulsion if repeated”.

TERRORISTS TARGET TELECOM WORKERS IN KEBBI, KILLING FOUR

A group of terrorists linked to the Lakurawa group launched a deadly attack on a construction site in Gumki village, Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The victims were employees of a leading telecommunications firm, Airtel, who were installing a surveillance mast for the Nigeria Immigration Service. According to the police, four people lost their lives in the attack. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed that three of the victims were Airtel staff, while the fourth was a local resident. The Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Bello M Sani, swiftly responded to the incident by deploying additional tactical teams to the area. CP Sani charged the teams to take decisive action against the suspected bandits responsible for the attack. In a meeting with local residents, CP Sani appealed for their cooperation and assistance in providing relevant information to aid the police in their response. The police have evacuated the bodies of the victims to Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital in Birnin Kebbi. This latest attack comes just a week after the same terrorist group killed two police officers in the area, highlighting the escalating violence in the region.