Terrorists kill 24, burn church, homes in renewed attack on Kebbi community

At least 24 residents have been killed after suspected terrorists attacked Debe community in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State, in a fresh wave of violence that has continued to plague parts of Northwest Nigeria.

The early morning assault, which occurred around 5 a.m. on Monday, left the rural community devastated as homes, a Catholic church, and several shops were set ablaze, forcing many residents to flee for safety.

In a statement issued by the Director of Social Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Matthew Stephen Kabirat, the attackers reportedly stormed the village and carried out indiscriminate killings across religious and social groups.

Kabirat identified five members of the Catholic community among the victims as Solomon Gyara, Amos Kagbede, John Solomon, Luka Ishaku and Yahaya Ayuba. Two other Christian leaders— Ibrahim Mokoshi, a pastor and Hassan Karaya — were also confirmed dead.

Several adherents of traditional religions were also killed in the attack, including Daura Wojjo, Kogoli Dogo Maigoro, Magandalla Gbakutali, Kalema Gbakutali, Yaron Daura, Abanza Bawa and Jato Karaya.

According to the statement, six Muslim residents—Zamani Tanko, Wanzam Bushe, Shekaru Guntu, Sani Maiginan Rijiya, Awwal Shehu Makeri and Abakar Lenike—were also among those killed, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the assault.

Beyond the loss of lives, the attackers razed the Roman Catholic Church in Debe, an outstation of Sacred Heart Parish in Shafaci under the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, as well as the residence of the church catechist, Zakariya Sule.

Local sources said many houses were destroyed during the raid, while at least 14 shops were burnt, dealing a heavy economic blow to the already vulnerable agrarian community.
Community leaders disclosed that search and recovery operations were still ongoing as of Tuesday, raising fears that the death toll could rise further. Many residents have reportedly fled the area, leaving the community largely deserted.

Confirming the incident, the Kebbi State Police Command said suspected members of the Mamudawa terror group attacked Gebe, Kawara, Kalkami and nearby villages in Shanga Local Government Area, exploiting the difficult wetland terrain to launch the assault.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said the attackers set several communities on fire, resulting in multiple casualties.

He said security forces, including police tactical teams, the military, the Marine Police and local vigilantes, had been deployed to restore calm, secure affected communities and prevent further attacks.

The latest incident adds to growing concerns over persistent attacks across Northwest Nigeria, where banditry and armed raids have repeatedly targeted rural communities, leading to mass displacement and loss of lives.

Residents and community leaders are now calling for urgent government intervention, a comprehensive investigation into the attack and immediate humanitarian support for displaced families.