At Least 20 Dead After Gunmen Raid Kebbi Community

At least 20 people have been killed after heavily armed gunmen attacked Fesken Rafi community in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State, in the latest security incident to hit parts of northwestern Nigeria.

The attack has left the community grieving while raising fresh concerns about the persistent threat posed by armed criminal groups operating across the region.

In response to the tragedy, the Kebbi State Government dispatched a high-powered delegation led by Deputy Governor Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida to the affected community to assess the situation and convey the government’s condolences.

Addressing residents during the visit, Tafida expressed deep sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives and assured the community that the state government remains committed to tackling insecurity and restoring lasting peace.

The deputy governor said the administration would strengthen security operations in the area through the deployment of additional personnel and resources aimed at preventing further attacks.

He reaffirmed the determination of Governor Nasir Idris’s administration to confront banditry and other criminal activities threatening lives and livelihoods across the state.

Local authorities disclosed that the attack occurred a few days before the government’s visit and resulted in significant casualties among residents.

Chairman of Arewa Local Government Area, Sani Aliyu Tela, and the member representing Arewa Constituency in the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Nuradeen Usman Kangiwa, commiserated with the affected families and praised the state government’s swift response.

Both officials acknowledged the ongoing efforts by the administration to address security challenges in vulnerable communities and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information.

Traditional leaders also appealed for additional government intervention.

Representing the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, the Dikkon Kabi, Alhaji Kabiru Sulaiman, alongside the District Head of Bui, Alhaji Abubakar Dan-Malam, thanked the government for standing with the community during the difficult period.

The traditional rulers called for the construction of a road linking Fesken Rafi to the main highway, arguing that improved accessibility would facilitate faster deployment of security personnel and stimulate economic activities in the area.

The latest attack underscores the continuing security challenges confronting several communities across Nigeria’s North-West, where authorities have intensified efforts to curb banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Residents are now hoping that strengthened security measures and sustained government intervention will help restore normalcy and prevent a recurrence of the violence that has claimed at least 20 lives in Fesken Rafi.