Bandits kill soldiers, destroy troops’ vehicles in Kebbi

Bandits have killed a yet-to-be-ascertained number of soldiers in Kebbi State.

The soldiers were killed during a gun duel with bandits in the Zuru Emirate of the state on Tuesday.

The vehicles of the soldiers were reportedly burnt.

The soldiers’ killing is coming days after bandits killed 65 members of vigilante group known as Yan-Sa-Kai in the same Zuru Emirate.

The Kebbi State Government confirmed the killing on Wednesday.

Secretary to the Kebbi State Government (SSG), Umar Babale Yauri, made the disclosure during the condolence visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, in Birnin Kebbi.

Yauri, who did not give the number of dead soldiers, said: “Three days ago, we lost about 65 vigilantes members. And even yesterday, we lost some military officers engaging with the bandits.

“The issue of banditry was formally a casual thing in Kebbi but in view of what is currently happening in Zamfara, the bandits are facing a serious challenge from the military, therefore, forced to come into Kebbi especially, the southern part of Kebbi.”

Onyema was in the state to condole with the people over recent killings in the state.

The Star