Four people have been killed, while a soldier has been declared missing following a gun battle between security personnel and suspected bandits in Tudun Bicci community, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Chairman of Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, Hussaini Aliyu Bena, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with journalists on Wednesday.
Bena clarified that contrary to reports claiming a soldier was killed, the victims were two forest guards and two civilians, while one soldier remains missing after the encounter.
According to him, the incident occurred when security personnel engaged bandits who attacked farmers in the community.
He said several bandits were neutralised during the gun battle, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
The council chairman attributed the persistent insecurity in the area to the activities of bandits operating from camps in neighbouring Zamfara and Niger states.
Bena said the Kebbi State Government, in collaboration with security agencies and the local government, had intensified efforts to curb recurring attacks and kidnappings in the area.
He appealed to residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies with credible information, expressing confidence that ongoing security operations would restore lasting peace to the affected communities.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kebbi State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
Four killed, soldier missing as bandits launch fresh attack on Kebbi community