Gunmen have reportedly killed a resident and abducted an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission during a fresh attack on Girkau village in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The deceased was identified as Mallam Samaila Abdullahi Girkau, while the abducted INEC staff member was identified as Bala A. Ladan Girkau, who works with the commission in Tambuwal.
The attackers reportedly stormed the community on Thursday morning and took the electoral officer away after killing the resident.
Confirming the incident, the Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the command had received a report concerning the attack.
Rufai confirmed that there had been both a killing and an abduction, adding that the police were working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
He said officers were in contact with the Divisional Police Officer responsible for the area while efforts were ongoing to gather more information.
The latest attack has increased security concerns in Kebbe, an area that has witnessed several incidents involving suspected bandits in recent weeks.
On September 4, five people were reportedly killed and three others injured when suspected bandits attacked Girkau and other communities in Girkau Ward. Several residents were also said to have been abducted, while cattle were rustled.
Earlier in August, police confirmed the killing of 28 people in Ungushi, another community in Kebbe. The Nigerian Army later adjusted its security operations around the area following the attack.
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Residents have also reported alleged demands for a ₦40 million levy by suspected bandits, accompanied by threats of further attacks if the money was not raised.
The latest abduction has raised fresh concerns over the safety of people living and working in rural communities across the area.
There was, however, no immediate indication that the INEC official was targeted because of his electoral
duties.
The police have not disclosed any arrest in connection with the latest incident, while efforts are expected to continue to secure the affected community and locate the abducted official.
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