By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Authorities have confirmed killing of nine police officers, three vigilante members and an unascertained number of residents in a bandit attack on Dankolo, Sakaba, Makuku, Dokar Kambari and Kurmin Hodo villages of Sakaba Local Government of Kebbi State.

Spokesperson of Kebbi State police Command ASP Nafiu Abubakar, on Monday, confirmed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Jimoh Abdullahi, an Inspector from Sakaba Police Division and seven other Mobile Police (MOPOL) officers were killed following a gun duell with the bandits.

“The DPO mobilized a team around 2:30pm on Sunday, to the villages to neutralize the bandits attacking Makuku and other villages around. Following engagement fierce engagement with bandits, the DPO, an inspector from Sakaba Division and seven MOPOLs lost their lives.

“Many of the bandits were also killed, but their bodies were carried away by their members,” he said.

On the number of casualty of the villagers, ASP Abubakar said: “For now I can’t say exactly how many of the villages were killed by the bandits. We are still trying to ascertain that. I will let you know when we have concluded our findings.”

Hon. Amadu Abdullahi, Vice Chairman Sakaba Local Government Area, when contacted, said: “Three vigilante ’Yan Sa Kai, the DPO and Inspector Crime of Sakaba Division and seven MOPOL lost their lives. We are waiting to receive their corpses.

“We are in a state of apprehension and overwhelming number displaced person fleeing to Dirin Daji, headquarters of Sakaba LG.

“My house alone is fully occupied by displaced persons from these villages.

“We are appealing to government to please come to our rescue because we are very much overwhelmed.”

The bandits were reported to have fled with bodies of their members killed in the gun duel, thousands of rustled cattle and food items.

In his response, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah representing Kebbi South, while expressing sadness, described the incident as “unfortunate and very disheartening”.

He condoled with the affected families, police authorities, the vigilante and villagers who lost their loved ones, livestock and other valuables.

Na’Allah assured that the Federal Government and Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu would take all necessary measures to bring to an end the carnage and restore lasting peace in the entire state.

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