By Abdullahi Tukur Birnin Kebbi
At least 24 people are said to have been killed following a deadly attack by suspected terrorists in the early hours of Monday in Debe, a community in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The incident has left the area in deep mourning, with widespread destruction of homes, places of worship, and businesses.
In a statement Signed by Rev. Fr. Matthew Stephen Kabirat, Director of Social Communications,Catholic Diocese of Kontagora and made available to newsmen said
The victims cut across religious and social groups, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the violence.
According to the statement, those killed were five members of the Catholic community: Solomon Gyara, Amos Kagbede, John Solomon, Luka Ishaku, and Yahaya Ayuba. Two others from different Christian denominations—Pastor Ibrahim Mokoshi and Hassan Karaya were also confirmed among the dead.
The statement stated that several traditional worshippers also lost their lives in the attack, including Daura Wojjo, Kogoli Dogo Maigoro, Magandalla Gbakutali, Kalema Gbakutali, Yaron Daura, Abanza Bawa, and Jato Karaya.
It’s said that six victims were identified as Zamani Tanko, Wanzam Bushe, Shekaru Guntu, Sani Maiginan Rijiya, Awwal Shehu Makeri, and Abakar Lenike are from the Muslims community.
The statement revealed that, beyond the tragic loss of life, the scale of destruction has been severe as the Roman Catholic Church in Dabe an outstation of Sacred Heart Parish Shafaci of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora was completely razed, along with the residence of the catechist, Mr. Zakariya Sule. Numerous homes were also destroyed, including those belonging to residents such as Ishaku Ropia, Jonathan Kungusan, Guntu, Ayuba, Solomon, Yohanna, and others.
The statement; the suspects carried out their attacks as early as 5am on Monday. Local businesses suffered significant losses as well. At least 14 shops were burned, affecting traders including Ibrahim Jangu, Musa Marafa, Emmanuel Auta, Habu, Awwal Dandare, and several others dealing a heavy economic blow to the already vulnerable community.
The statement said, Community leaders say search and recovery efforts are still ongoing, raising fears that the death toll could rise further. The situation remains tense as residents are displaced. The few residents struggle to come to terms with the scale of the devastation.
It therefore stated that calls are mounting for urgent government intervention, a thorough investigation into the incident, and humanitarian support for affected families. Religious and community leaders have urged residents to remain calm and united in the face of the tragedy.
In a statement by the Kebbi state Police Command stated that suspected Mamudawa terrorists attacked Gebe, Kawara, Kalkami, and nearby villages in Shanga Local Government Area, taking advantage of the wetland terrain. Parts of these communities were set on fire, and lives were tragically lost. The Command expresses its deepest condolences to the families affected and stands firmly with the communities during this difficult time.
The Command’s Public Relations SP Bashir Usman said, Security forces, including Police Tactical Units, the Military, Marine Police, and local vigilantes, are actively deployed to restore normalcy, secure the affected areas, and ensure residents’ safety.