Armed bandits attacked Waje village in Kebbi State on Saturday, May 17, leaving several farmers dead and others injured in one of the latest violent assaults in the region.
While local sources put the number of deaths at fifteen, the Kebbi State Police Command confirmed ten fatalities.
“Yes, we are aware of the Waje attack by armed bandits, but only ten people were killed,” said Commissioner of Police, Nafiu Abubakar. He added that three injured victims were receiving treatment at a health facility.
A resident of the village, Malam Abdullahi, recounted the harrowing incident. “The armed bandits stormed the village at night, wielding high-profile guns and upon arrival began shooting indiscriminately, killing fifteen farmers and injuring at least three persons.
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“We saw a mass of people on motorcycles carrying guns while the farmers were about to leave their farms after the day’s work, and invaded their farms, shooting,” he said.
In response to the attack, Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Umar Tafida, visited the affected community and announced a government donation of ₦24 million to support the victims and their families.
“We are here on behalf of the Kebbi Governor, Nasir Idris, to sympathise with you people over the attack. The attack is hereby condemned and such a dastardly act has no place in our society,” Tafida said.