At least eight people have been killed following a deadly attack by armed bandits on three communities in Kebbi State. The attack, which occurred on Sunday night, affected Kaiwa, Gebbe and Gelawa villages in Shangai Local Government Area of the state.
Residents said more than 50 gunmen, riding on motorcycles, stormed the communities at about the same time. The attackers reportedly shot sporadically, causing fear and confusion among villagers, many of whom ran into nearby bushes and neighbouring villages to save their lives.
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said the attackers came in large numbers and struck without warning. According to him, the bandits rode freely into the communities and began shooting immediately.
“We saw them entering our community on motorcycles, many of them, and once people noticed, everyone started running. Some people escaped, but others could not,” he said. “They killed more than eight people and also took away some residents, but we do not yet know how many were abducted.”
The source explained that the sound of gunfire came from different directions, making it difficult for residents to know where to run. As panic spread, many families fled their homes, abandoning their belongings behind.
He added that the attack on Gebbe community was especially shocking because the area had not experienced such violence in recent years. “This kind of attack is new to us here. We have heard of bandits attacking other places, but Gebbe had been peaceful until now,” he said.
While initial reports said seven people were killed during the attack, the number later rose to eight after one of the victims died while receiving medical treatment. Several others were said to have sustained gunshot wounds, though the exact number of injured persons is still unclear.
Residents said it was difficult to determine the full scale of the damage because many people are still missing, while others remain in hiding. Some villagers have refused to return to their homes out of fear that the bandits could strike again.
As of Monday morning, many residents of Kaiwa, Gebbe and Gelawa were still displaced, staying in neighbouring villages or sleeping in the open. Community members said women, children and the elderly were the most affected, as they had to flee in the middle of the night with little or no support.
Local sources also said farm produce, livestock and other valuables may have been taken by the attackers, although this could not be independently confirmed at the time of filing this report.
The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the attack. The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said security agencies have launched operations in the affected areas to restore calm and track down the attackers.
According to him, seven people were initially confirmed dead across the three communities, while another victim later died at a health facility. He said security personnel have been deployed to the area to prevent further attacks and reassure residents.
“We can confirm that bandits attacked Kaiwa, Gebbe and Gelawa communities in Shangai Local Government Area. Seven people were first reported dead, and later one more person died while receiving treatment,” the police spokesman said.
He added that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, were carrying out coordinated operations to arrest those responsible and prevent a repeat of the incident.
The latest attack adds to growing concerns over insecurity in Kebbi State and other parts of north-west Nigeria. In recent years, armed banditry has become a major security challenge in states such as Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto and parts of Kebbi.
Bandits are often accused of killing residents, kidnapping people for ransom, stealing cattle and burning houses. Many rural communities have been forced to abandon their homes and farmlands due to repeated attacks.
Although Kebbi has been relatively calmer compared to some neighbouring states, there have been occasional attacks, especially in border areas. Residents say bandits often take advantage of forest routes and poor road access to launch surprise attacks and escape quickly.
Community leaders and residents have condemned the attack and called on the government to do more to protect lives and property. Some residents said the presence of security forces in rural areas remains inadequate, leaving villagers vulnerable.
“We are farmers and peaceful people. We only want to live our lives and take care of our families,” a resident said. “The government should help us because we cannot defend ourselves against these heavily armed men.”
Others called for increased patrols, improved intelligence gathering and stronger cooperation between local communities and security agencies.
Some residents also appealed for humanitarian assistance for those displaced by the attack, noting that many families have lost their homes, food supplies and means of livelihood.
Both the federal and state governments have repeatedly promised to address the problem of banditry through military operations, community policing and dialogue in some cases. Security operations have been carried out in forests believed to be hideouts for criminal gangs.
However, despite these efforts, attacks continue in many rural areas, raising questions about the effectiveness of current strategies. Analysts say poverty, unemployment and the availability of illegal weapons continue to fuel insecurity in the region.
They also stress the need for long-term solutions, including economic development, education and stronger local governance, to tackle the root causes of banditry.
As residents of Kaiwa, Gebbe and Gelawa mourn their dead, fear remains high that the attackers could return. Many villagers say they will not feel safe until there is a sustained security presence in the area.
For now, the affected communities remain tense, with daily activities disrupted and farmlands abandoned. Parents are worried about the safety of their children, while traders fear traveling on rural roads.