Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has made a solemn pledge to commit every available state resource to combat the escalating wave of armed banditry plaguing the state, declaring that he would prioritize saving lives above all other considerations.
The governor made this declaration while receiving the Emir of Zuru, Major-General Muhammadu Sani Sami Gomo II (rtd), who led a high-powered delegation from four local government areas of the emirate to the Government House in Birnin Kebbi on a Save-Our-Soul (SOS) visit following a deadly attack on Tadurga village.
Deadly Attack on Tadurga Village
The visit was prompted by a devastating attack on Tadurga village in Zuru Local Government Area, where suspected bandits reportedly killed scores of residents, abducted several others, and rustled livestock. According to BenriNews, the attackers stormed the village late Monday night, shooting indiscriminately and looting shops before unleashing mayhem on residents.
Survivors described it as one of the deadliest attacks in recent times. A resident, Audu Sule, recounted the horror: "They came en masse, shooting at everyone, looting shops, killing, kidnapping, and stealing cows. We've never seen this level of violence before."
Another resident, Abdullah Zuru, noted that prior to the attack, the area had enjoyed relative peace due to government interventions. "Farmers had returned to their fields. This attack was unexpected," he said.
Governor's Commitment to Security
Governor Idris described the situation as deeply troubling and emphasized his administration's determination to protect lives and property across the state at all costs.
"I will do whatever is humanly possible to protect the people of Kebbi, even if it means emptying the state treasury," the governor declared, underscoring the gravity of his commitment.
He disclosed plans to visit President Bola Tinubu to present recommendations on how to curb the escalating insecurity in Kebbi and other affected areas.
Challenges Facing Security Efforts
The governor attributed the persistent attacks to several challenges, including inadequate security personnel, lack of sophisticated weapons, limited special military units, and the state's complex geography. Kebbi's vulnerability is heightened by its borders with Niger Republic, Benin Republic, and insecurity-prone states such as Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger.
While addressing the governor, the Emir of Zuru said dozens of lives and property worth millions had been lost in the Tadurga attack. He warned that continued attacks could trigger a humanitarian crisis, with displaced persons flooding major towns in search of safety.
The governor's pledge comes at a critical time when residents are increasingly concerned about their safety and the ability of security forces to protect them from armed bandits who have terrorized communities across Nigeria's northwest region.
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