GUNMEN KILL TWO POLICE OFFICERS IN ATTACK ON KEBBI CHECKPOINT

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Suspected members of the Lakurawa armed group on Thursday attacked a police checkpoint at Bakinruwa/Maje in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing two officers on duty.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen stormed the Bakinruwa/Maje checkpoint in the early hours of the morning, overpowered the policemen stationed there and set the tent used by the officers ablaze.

A resident of the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the attack occurred while the officers were carrying out routine duties.

“The gunmen came in large numbers and attacked the checkpoint. The policemen tried to resist them, but they were overpowered. After killing the officers, they set the tent at the checkpoint on fire before leaving the area,” the source said.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Bashir Usman, said two policemen lost their lives during the attack.

“Yes, there was an attack at the Bakinruwa/Maje checkpoint in Bagudo Local Government Area. They killed two of our officers and burnt down the checkpoint, but the police are on top of the situation. I will issue further details,” he said.

Reports indicate that the latest attack is the third incident along the Bakinruwa–Maje border corridor in recent months.

In earlier attacks in the area, gunmen reportedly killed personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service, raising concerns among residents of border communities.

Security sources said authorities have intensified surveillance and patrols in the area to prevent further attacks and track down the perpetrators.