Survivors speak on deputy governor’s convoy attack in Kebbi

Survivors speak on deputy governor’s convoy attack in Kebbi

…..Says Bandits killed 19 security Operatives

By: James Bwala

Survivors in the attack on Tuesday night on the convoy of the deputy governor of Kebbi state, Colonel Samaila Dabai told newsmen that 19 security operatives lost their lives in the aftermath of the gun battle that lasted over two hours at Kanya village where the convoy was ambushed.

Kebbi state in northwest Nigeria is said to be housing bandits loyal to Bello Turji, who operated mostly in Sokoto and Zamfara states.

The state has also been in the news recently over a shift of bandits’ activities that has terrorised communities and villages in the northwest states.

“19 security operatives killed after 2 hours of gun battle at Kanya village when bandits attacked our convoy.” The deputy governor, Colonel Dabai reportedly said.

Also Read: Gunmen attacks Kebbi deputy gov’s convoy, killed 16…

Kanya, a village in Kebbi state along Wassagu local government area is about 275km from the state capital.

This incident was coming barely 48 hours after bandits made tactical withdrawal in a battle with local vigilante group luring them into an airtight valley killing 63 around the Zuru emirate in Kebbi state.

It was this situation and other series of attacks that informed the deputy governor’s visit to some of these communities on Tuesday.

“We fell into their ambush at Kanya.” Abdullahi Musa, a Special Adviser to the Kebbi state deputy governor said. ” It was a fierce battle. I have never seen such a situation in my life. You know the deputy governor is a retired military officer and still has some military techniques. This has played out during the shooting to save us. 

” We were able to take cover along with 36 top military officers in the convoy, who also accompanied the deputy governor for the condolence visit.” Abdullahi explained.

Another survivor of the attack, Idris Ahmed said ” The Tuesday night attack was bloody.”

According to him, they were lucky to see the following day because many people died. 

“The bandits were many indeed. And holding a well equipped military for two hours in exchange of fire power means they are really out to fight. But our soldiers fought gallantry. They earned my respect. It would have been a different story if the soldiers had not stood their ground to save the situation.” Idris said.

Survivors speak on deputy governor’s convoy attack in Kebbi