By Frontline Reporters

At least 28 people, including the Chief Imam of Ungushi Izala Jumu’at Mosque, Imam Aliyu, have been killed in a deadly attack on Ungushi community in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The attack, which occurred on Sunday evening, has heightened security concerns in Kebbe, where communities have recently come under threat from armed groups allegedly linked to the Lakurawa terrorist organisation. Police spokesman, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the incident but said the exact number of casualties remained difficult to establish. He, however, said at least 28 bodies had been recovered.

Residents said the attackers stormed the community and opened fire on civilians, killing farmers, traders, religious leaders and other residents. The killing of Imam Aliyu, described as a respected religious figure, has particularly deepened the grief and fear in the community, with reports that some families have begun abandoning their homes.

The latest attack followed reports on Friday of armed men on motorcycles invading parts of Kebbe, allegedly attacking residents, looting shops and destroying property. The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed that an incident occurred but said it was still gathering information before issuing a comprehensive statement.

Amid the renewed threats, the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Bemgba Koughna, visited the Forward Operating Base, Kebbe, on Sunday to assess the situation and reassure residents of the military’s readiness to confront the threat. He also met community leaders and residents and reviewed security measures in the area.

Koughna said the Army had adjusted its security architecture to prevent further terrorist infiltration and protect vulnerable communities. He assured residents that troops remained deployed and alert, warning that terrorist elements would not be allowed to establish safe havens in Kebbe and neighbouring communities.

“Troops remain fully deployed, highly alert and operationally focused on protecting lives and property,” the GOC said.

He urged residents to work closely with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence on suspicious movements, unfamiliar persons and other activities that could threaten the community. According to him, effective community support remains critical to detecting and dismantling terrorist networks before they launch attacks.

Residents, however, called for sustained military presence and intelligence-led operations, warning that continued attacks were disrupting farming, education and economic activities. A community leader said many families were already living in fear, with some abandoning their homes to escape further attacks.

The Army’s operational assessment formed part of efforts to strengthen security around Kebbe and other vulnerable communities following recent attacks. The visit was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division and Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba.

Atiku Demands End to Killings

Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government to move beyond condolence messages and take decisive action to end the killings.

In a statement posted on his verified X account on Monday, Atiku expressed outrage over the attack and described the victims as innocent Nigerians whose deaths underscored the worsening security crisis.

“I am devastated by the killing of 32 innocent Nigerians in Ungushi community, Kebbe LGA of Sokoto State,” he said.

He sympathised with the bereaved families and the people of Sokoto State, praying for the repose of the deceased and strength for their loved ones.

The latest bloodshed has once again raised concerns over the capacity of security agencies to protect vulnerable communities, as residents continue to demand stronger intelligence, sustained military operations and urgent measures to prevent further displacement.

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