By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

. . . Speaks on why he goes to the battle field

. . . Blames informants and confirms death of 18 soldiers, 1 security aide

Sama’ila Yombe Dabai, a retired Army Colonel and the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, has confirmed the number of casualties in the gunmen attack on his convoy in Kanya, Danko-Wasagu Local Government of Kebbi State.

While recounting his ordeal in a statement on Wednesday night via his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on New Media, Atom Turba, the Deputy Governor said that ASP Idris Libata, a senior security aide attached to his office, was killed alongside 18 military personnel.

He disclosed that the bandits ambushed his entourage in Kanya, Waje District of Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday, March 8, 2022.

According to the statement, Yombe, in the company of the Commanding Officer 223 Light Tank Battalion Zuru, were returning from various military formations with the intent to boost their morale as well as needs assessment when they were ambushed by the bandits in Kanya.

It disclosed that he has been regularly going to Zuru Emirate recently in an effort to be part of military operations to tackle banditry in the area.

“In the attack, a security aide attached to the Deputy Governor, ASP Idris Libata alongside 18 other military personnel lost their lives,” the statement said.

The Deputy Governor lamented the spate of informants disguising in public and revealing movement of troops as well as vigilante groups on a mission to tackle the menace of banditry.

He commended the bravery of the 223 Battalion military men and vigilante groups for their rapid response whenever the need arises.

He maintained that his presence at the battle field was always out of passion to see a safer or free environment where communals would farm and do their business activities without hitches.

The statement extolled Governor Atiku Bagudu for his support and assured of taking necessary actions to tackle the menace of banditry while soliciting for public cooperation against criminal elements disguising in public to perpetrate crime.

Yombe prayed for the repose of his deceased security aide along military personnel and all those that gave their lives in defence of their territory adding that they shall be remembered for bravery forever.