Suspected terrorists launched a reprisal attack on Sunday in Birnin Dede village, Kebbi State, killing 13 people and setting seven villages ablaze. Local resident Malam Umar said the assailants targeted villages in the Arewa Local Government Area in retaliation for the killing of their leader, Maigemu, by a joint security operation.
“The terrorists burned down several villages, sparing only one that was protected by soldiers. We seek protection from Allah against this dreaded group,” Malam Umar said via telephone.
The attack comes after a security operation, led by the Kebbi State Government and backed by Governor Nasir Idris, eliminated Maigemu, a notorious terrorist kingpin. Efforts to get further details from the Kebbi State Police Command have so far been unsuccessful, as its spokesperson, SP Nafiu Abubakar, did not respond to calls or texts.
