By Ayodele Oni
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has announced that terrorists, on Monday, invaded Debe community in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State killing at least 24 villagers.
The incident, which left the area in deep mourning had a widespread destruction of homes, places of worship, and business shops.
The police had earlier confirmed that a suspected Mamudawa new terrorists attacked Gebe, Kawara, Kalkami, and nearby villages.
In a statement signed by the Director of Social Communications, Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Rev. Fr. Matthew Stephen Kabirat stated that the terrorists invaded the village around 5am on Monday.
According to Fr. Kabirat, “the victims cut across religious and social groups, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the violence.
“Amongst those killed are 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.”
He added 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.
Furthermore he disclosed that six victims, 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 was severe as the Roman Catholic Church in Debe an outstation of Sacred Heart Parish Shafaci of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora was completely razed alongside the residence of the catechist, Mr. Zakariya Sule.
Findings also have it that, many homes were destroyed, as local businesses suffered significant losses as well with at least 14 shops burnt dealing a heavy economic blow to the already vulnerable community.
Community leaders say search and recovery efforts are still ongoing, raising fears that the death toll could rise further. The situation remains tensed as villagers have fled and are displaced.
However, calls are mounting for urgent government intervention, a thorough investigation into the incident, and humanitarian support for affected families.
Confirming the incident in a statement, 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.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman said the communities were set on fire, and lives were tragically lost.
While expressing the Command’s deepest condolences to the families affected, Bashir 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
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