At least 20 people have been killed in an attack by suspected bandits on Fesken Rafi community in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State, prompting renewed concerns over insecurity in the area.

The Kebbi State Government expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing the attack as tragic and extending condolences to the families of the victims and residents of the affected community.

Leading a government delegation on a condolence visit on Saturday, Deputy Governor Umar Tafida assured residents that the state government remains committed to tackling insecurity and safeguarding lives and property across Kebbi.

He announced that additional security personnel and operational resources would be deployed to the area to strengthen security operations, restore normalcy and prevent further attacks.

“We share in your grief and remain committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property across Kebbi State,” the deputy governor said during the visit.

The Chairman of Arewa Local Government Area, Sani Tela, and the member representing Arewa Constituency in the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Nuradeen Kangiwa, told the delegation that the attack occurred a few days earlier and resulted in significant loss of life.

They commended Governor Nasir Idris for the administration’s efforts to combat insecurity and for its response to the plight of affected communities.

Traditional leaders, including the Dikkon Kabi, Alhaji Kabiru Sulaiman, who represented the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, and the District Head of Bui, Alhaji Abubakar Dan-Malam, also praised the government’s intervention.

The traditional rulers appealed for the construction of a road linking Fesken Rafi to the main highway, saying improved access would enhance security response, facilitate economic activities and improve the living conditions of residents.

The attack highlights the continuing security challenges facing rural communities in parts of Kebbi State despite ongoing efforts by security agencies and the state government to curb banditry and other criminal activities.

Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists have reportedly set schools, including primary and secondary schools, ablaze in Borno State.

The incident occurred in Kautikari village, Chibok local government area of the state.

The development comes a few weeks after the pupils of Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School, Askira-Uba, were abducted for almost a month without a trace.

Security sources said the assailants invaded the town, which has suffered multiple attacks, around 7pm on Saturday.

Although no casualty has been reported, residents were forced to flee into the bush for safety.

A resident also disclosed that the terrorists attacked the village months back but they did not destroy any public or private property.

Authorities in the state were yet to confirm the incident at the time of filing this report.

The Kebbi State Police Command has dismissed rumours claiming that schools in the state have been closed due to insecurity, describing the reports as false.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, made the clarification in a statement issued on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi while responding to claims of school closures, kidnappings and the withdrawal of pupils by parents.

According to him, there is no truth to the speculation, stressing that academic activities are continuing as scheduled across the state.

Usman noted that students have recently resumed for the new term, while graduating students are safely sitting for the Senior School Certificate Examination, SSCE, in various centres across Kebbi.

He added that the state’s school calendar remains under the supervision of the Ministry of Education and has not been disrupted by security concerns.

The police spokesperson further said security agencies, in collaboration with vigilante groups, have continued to carry out intelligence-led operations across the state to maintain peace and protect residents.

He maintained that recent arrests and the neutralisation of criminal elements demonstrate the effectiveness of the ongoing security efforts and urged the public to disregard unfounded rumours capable of causing panic.