At least 28 people have been killed after terrorists attacked Ungushi community in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State, deepening fear among residents and prompting an urgent security assessment by the Nigerian Army.
Among those killed was Imam Aliyu, the Chief Imam of Ungushi Izala Jumu’at Mosque and a respected religious leader in the community.
The attack occurred on Sunday evening when armed men reportedly invaded the community and opened fire on residents. The victims were said to include farmers, traders, religious leaders and other members of the community.
The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the incident but said it was still difficult to establish the exact number of casualties. However, the command’s spokesman, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said no fewer than 28 corpses were recovered after the attack.
Residents said the killings had left the community traumatised, with families increasingly afraid to remain in their homes amid reports of renewed attacks and displacement in neighbouring communities.
“These are ordinary people. They are farmers, traders, religious leaders and family members. They have done nothing to deserve this,” a resident said.
Another source said many residents were no longer sleeping peacefully because of fears of another attack.
“People are no longer sleeping peacefully. Families are leaving their homes because they fear another attack. We need urgent intervention before more communities are deserted,” the source said.
The latest attack followed reports that armed men on motorcycles had entered parts of Kebbe LGA on Friday, allegedly attacking residents, looting shops and damaging property.
The renewed violence has heightened security concerns in Kebbe, where communities have faced threats from armed groups allegedly linked to the Lakurawa terrorist organisation.
In response to the situation, the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Bemgba Koughna, visited the Forward Operating Base, Kebbe, on Sunday to assess the security situation and reassure residents of the readiness of troops to protect their communities.
Koughna also met community leaders and residents, listened to their concerns and reviewed the security situation in the area.
He said the Nigerian Army had adjusted its security architecture to prevent further infiltration by terrorists and protect vulnerable communities.
“Troops remain fully deployed, highly alert and operationally focused on protecting lives and property,” the GOC said.
He added that measures had been put in place to identify and contain emerging threats before they escalated.
The Army chief assured residents that terrorist elements would not be allowed to establish safe havens in Kebbe and surrounding communities.
“We will continue to maintain a robust presence in this area and ensure that our troops remain ready to respond to any threat to the peace and security of the people,” he said.
Koughna urged residents not to panic and called for stronger cooperation between the military and communities, particularly through the timely sharing of credible intelligence.
He urged community leaders and residents to report suspicious movements, unfamiliar persons and other activities that could pose security threats.
The GOC reiterated the commitment of the troops to protecting lives, property and critical infrastructure in Kebbe and other vulnerable communities within the operational area.
“We will not allow criminal elements to intimidate our people or disrupt their livelihoods. Our troops are prepared and will continue to operate with determination and professionalism,” he said.
Residents, however, called for sustained military presence and intelligence-led operations to prevent further attacks and restore confidence in the affected communities.
A community leader said the continued attacks were disrupting social and economic activities, forcing families to abandon their homes and making it difficult for children to attend school.
“People cannot farm, children are afraid to go to school, and families are abandoning their homes. If nothing is done urgently, we may witness the complete displacement of these communities,” he said.
The Army’s operational assessment formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security around Kebbe and other vulnerable communities following recent incidents in the area.
The visit was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army and Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt Col Olaniyi Osoba.
Meanwhile, former Vice-President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, urged the Federal Government to move beyond condolences and take decisive action to prevent further killings.
In a statement posted on his verified X account on Monday, Atiku described the victims as innocent Nigerians whose deaths had further exposed the worsening insecurity across the country.
He expressed sympathy with the bereaved families and people of Sokoto State, praying for the repose of the deceased and strength for their loved ones.
Atiku, however, said government condolences were no longer enough in the face of recurring attacks.
“But condolences are no longer enough. How many more Nigerians must be slaughtered before this government treats the protection of human life as an emergency?” he asked.
He called on the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, secure vulnerable communities and ensure that those responsible for the killings were arrested and prosecuted.
“The Federal Government must move from condolences to action: strengthen intelligence, secure vulnerable communities and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Atiku said.
He stressed that protecting the lives and property of citizens remained the government’s primary responsibility, saying Nigerians should not continue to bury their loved ones while those responsible for their security offered excuses.
The latest killings have left residents demanding sustained security operations and stronger intelligence gathering to prevent further attacks and restore peace to Ungushi, Kebbe and neighbouring communities in Sokoto State.
