Suspected Lakurawa terrorists launched a deadly attack on Girkau community in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Monday, August 3, 2026, resulting in the deaths of a police officer and two civilians, with several others injured. The assailants also set ablaze two security vehicles belonging to the Nigeria Police Force and the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps during the invasion.
Security Response and Confirmation
Confirming the incident to Punch on Tuesday, the command's spokesman, Ahmed Rufai, stated that the police received a distress call and swiftly deployed operatives to the community, where they engaged the attackers in a gun battle and successfully repelled them. Rufai confirmed that one police officer was killed in the line of duty, while two security vehicles were destroyed during the attack.
“It is unfortunate that we lost one of our men during the attack. We received a distress call from the community and immediately mobilised our personnel to the scene. We were able to repel the Lakurawa bandits, but during the exchange of gunfire, one of our officers paid the supreme price,” the Police Public Relations Officer said. “They burnt two vehicles, one belonging to the police and the other to the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps.”
Details of the Attack
Residents reported that the heavily armed attackers stormed the community and opened fire indiscriminately on security personnel and villagers, forcing many people to flee for safety. Among those reportedly killed were a police officer identified as Hussaini Manyu, an elderly resident, Bala Wakili, and a young herder who was allegedly shot dead after refusing to surrender his cattle to the attackers. Community sources further disclosed that a farmer sustained gunshot injuries while working on his farmland and is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility.
They also alleged that the attackers assaulted a married woman after she resisted an attempted sexual assault during the invasion. This heinous act has added to the trauma and fear gripping the community.
Community Leaders Express Grief and Fear
A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, described the incident as one of the worst attacks recorded in the area in recent months. “What happened in Girkau is heartbreaking. We lost a police officer who was defending the community, an elderly man and a young herder. They also burnt security vehicles and took away many cattle. Our people are living in fear because these attacks are becoming too frequent,” the community leader said.
Another resident, who also craved anonymity for security reasons, revealed that the community had repeatedly alerted security agencies to suspicious movements around the area before the attack. “We had been calling for more security presence because we noticed unusual movements around the area. Unfortunately, our fears have now become reality. Innocent people have been killed, families have been thrown into mourning and many residents have fled for safety,” the resident said.
Security Operations Intensified
Rufai added that the command had intensified security operations in the area and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property. The police have assured residents of increased patrols and vigilance to prevent further attacks. However, the frequency of such incidents raises concerns about the effectiveness of current security measures in the region.
The attack has left the community in mourning and heightened fears of further violence. Many residents have fled to safer locations, while others are calling on the government to deploy more security personnel to protect vulnerable communities in Sokoto State and the wider northwest region.
