In the wake of a deadly attack by the Lakurawa terrorist sect in Birnin Dede, Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State, which claimed at least 13 lives, the state government has called for the immediate deployment of troops to restore order in the region. The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris, Ahmed Idris, confirmed the development in an exclusive interview, revealing that Governor Idris convened a high-level security meeting with top officials to address the rising insecurity in the area.
“The state government is deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of our people,” Idris stated. “Governor Idris has directed security agencies to take all necessary measures to restore peace and stability in Arewa Local Government. The deployment of troops is part of a broader strategy to curb insecurity and reassure residents of our commitment to their safety.”
The residents of Arewa have expressed mixed feelings regarding the security situation. One local, speaking anonymously, described the chilling aftermath of the Lakurawa attack, which has left the community fearful and unsettled. “Since the attack, we have been living in fear. Many people are afraid to go about their daily activities, and some have even fled to neighboring communities for safety,” the resident said, urging the government to expedite the deployment of security forces.
“We need security personnel as soon as possible. The people of Arewa cannot afford another attack. We urge the government to act swiftly to protect us,” he added.
The state’s efforts to increase security have seen a prompt response from the Kebbi State Police Command. In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesman, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, it was revealed that a tactical team had been immediately deployed to the community. CP Sani also visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and engaged with the security personnel already stationed in the area, including the police, army, civil defense, and local vigilante groups.
“Expressing strong condemnation of the attack, CP Bello M. Sani immediately reviewed the security architecture of the region,” the statement said. “He reinforced security efforts by deploying additional tactical teams and issued a firm directive to decisively neutralize the suspected bandits operating in the area.” Authorities are actively pursuing the attackers and have urged the public to report any suspicious activities to aid the ongoing investigations.
Military Task Force in Plateau State Rescues Seven Kidnap Victims
Meanwhile, the Special Military Task Force operating under Operation Safe Haven in Plateau State has rescued seven victims who had been abducted by kidnappers. The operation took place in the Riyom Local Government Area, based on intelligence reports that revealed the victims were being held in a hideout along the Jos-Ganawuri Road.
In a statement on Tuesday, the task force spokesman, Maj. Samson Zhakom, confirmed that the operation was part of the ongoing Operation Lafiya Jama’a. The troops engaged the kidnappers in combat, forcing them to flee into the high grounds of Attakar, a district in Riyom. During the operation, seven victims from Bauchi State were successfully rescued. The individuals have been identified as Sale Umar, Muhammadu Inusa, Abdullahi Abdulrasaq, Abdulsalam Muhammad, Muhammad Hamisu, Ibrahim Maradu, and Saidu Sani.
The troops also recovered a bag containing a blanket and clothing materials abandoned by the fleeing kidnappers. Following the rescue, the victims were debriefed for further intelligence that could assist in tracking down the kidnappers. They have since been reunited with their families.
Maj. Zhakom assured that the task force would continue its efforts to apprehend criminal elements within the operational area. “Troops of Operation Safe Haven will continue the manhunt for criminal elements within the Joint Operations Area to ensure their immediate arrest and possible prosecution,” the statement concluded.
