Tragedy in Kebbi: Suspected Terrorists Kill 24, Destroy Churches and Homes, Villagers Flee
Report by Our Correspondent.
Suspected terrorists attacked the Debe community in the Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State on Monday, resulting in the death of at least 24 villagers.
The assault caused widespread destruction of homes, places of worship, and businesses, leaving the community in grief.
According to a statement from Rev. Fr. Matthew Stephen Kabirat, Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, the terrorists struck around 5am on Monday.
Fr. Kabirat mentioned that the victims belonged to various religious and social groups, emphasizing the indiscriminate nature of the violence.
Among those killed were five members of the Catholic community: Solomon Gyara, Amos Kagbede, John Solomon, Luka Ishaku, and Yahaya Ayuba. Also killed were Pastor Ibrahim Mokoshi and Hassan Karaya from other Christian denominations.
The attack also claimed lives among traditional worshippers, including Daura Wojjo, Kogoli Dogo Maigoro, Magandalla Gbakutali, Kalema Gbakutali, Yaron Daura, Abanza Bawa, and Jato Karaya.
Six victims—Zamani Tanko, Wanzam Bushe, Shekaru Guntu, Sani Maiginan Rijiya, Awwal Shehu Makeri, and Abakar Lenike—belong to the Muslim community.
The destruction was extensive; the Roman Catholic Church in Debe, an outstation of Sacred Heart Parish Shafaci of the Diocese of Kontagora, was completely destroyed, along with the residence of the catechist, Mr. Zakariya Sule.
Many homes and local businesses were also burned, with at least 14 shops destroyed, damaging the community’s economy.
Search and rescue efforts are ongoing amid fears that the death toll could rise. The community remains tense, with villagers displaced by the violence.
There are growing calls for urgent government intervention, thorough investigation, and humanitarian aid for affected families.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the attack, stating that suspected Mamudawa terrorists targeted Gebe, Kawara, Kalkami, and nearby villages, taking advantage of the wetland terrain.
SP Bashir Usman, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, reported that the communities were set on fire, leading to the tragic loss of life.
He extended condolences to the affected families and assured them that security forces, including Police Tactical Units, the Military, Marine Police, and local vigilantes, are actively deployed to restore order and protect residents.
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