A police officer and nine soldiers have reportedly been killed in a deadly ambush by armed gunmen in the Shanga LGA of Kebbi state.
The attack occurred in the Giro Masa community when security operatives, believed to have been operating in the area for some time, traced the gunmen to a construction company yard.
Following a tip-off from residents, soldiers were dispatched to secure the site but were ambushed along the way.
As a result, the police officer and soldiers reportedly lost their lives. Two military trucks were also said to have been set on fire.
Meanwhile the State Governor, Nasir Idris, has visited the accident and emergency unit of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, where victims of the attack were taken to.
While speaking to journalists after the visit, the governor, described the incident as unfortunate and assured residents that the state government would cover the medical bills of the injured and provide support to the families of the deceased security personnel.
“Everybody knows that government of Kebbi doesn’t play with security issues. We are here, we have seen things by ourselves. And we have directed the CMD of the hospital to ensure they do the needful for those that are receiving treatment,” he said.
“And at the same time, for those that lost their life, the government of Kebbi will do everything possible to assist the family. It is a great loss and it is a very sad situation. But we have to accept what has happened in good faith.”
