Gunmen Kill Police Officer, Two Civilians in Sokoto, Set Security Vehicles Ablaze.

Suspected Lakurawa militants have killed a police officer and two civilians during a deadly attack on Girkau community in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The attack, which occurred on Monday, also resulted in the destruction of two security vehicles belonging to the Nigeria Police Force and the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps after they were set ablaze by the assailants. 

Residents said the heavily armed attackers stormed the community, opened fire on security personnel and villagers, forcing many residents to flee for safety. Among those killed were a police officer identified as Hussaini Manyu, an elderly resident, Bala Wakili, and a young herder who was reportedly shot after refusing to surrender his cattle to the attackers. Several others sustained injuries, while an unspecified number of cattle were rustled during the invasion. 

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the command received a distress call and immediately deployed operatives to the area.

According to him, police personnel engaged the attackers in a gun battle and successfully repelled them. However, one police officer lost his life during the exchange of gunfire, while the attackers destroyed two security patrol vehicles before fleeing the scene. 

Following the attack, residents appealed to the Federal Government and the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations across Kebbe and neighbouring communities to prevent further attacks and protect lives and property.