THREE personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were reportedly killed by suspected bandits along the Tsamiya–Illo Road in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State over the weekend, in what residents described as another deadly attack targeting security operatives in the area.
News Point Nigeria reports that the slain officers were identified as DCRMA Umar Aliyu, SRMA Ezra Manu Gona and RMA I Mansur Ibrahim Nasir.
According to local residents who spoke to journalists, the FRSC personnel were carrying out official duties when they came under attack from armed bandits.
A resident familiar with the incident said the officers attempted to flee after sighting the attackers but were chased down before they could reach safety.
“They tried to escape from the bandits who were on bikes, but the attackers pursued them with their motorcycles and killed them before they could escape into the bush,” the source said.
The resident added that the assailants, said to be more than 20 in number, withdrew into the bush immediately after carrying out the attack.
He said: “They are always coming to attack security operatives in this area. This is about the fifth time they are coming to kill security officers at their duty post in this area.”
The latest killings have further heightened concerns over worsening insecurity along the Tsamiya axis of Bagudo Local Government Area, where security operatives have reportedly faced repeated attacks from bandits and members of the Lakurawa group in recent times.
Residents noted that before the latest attack on the FRSC personnel, more than 10 officers drawn from the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Police had reportedly been killed by armed groups operating around the Tsamiya/Maje corridor of the local government area within the past year.
As of the time of filing this report, the FRSC command in Kebbi State had not issued any official statement regarding the incident.
Efforts to obtain comments from the agency were unsuccessful, as calls placed to the FRSC Public Relations Officer were not returned.
Meanwhile, the recurring attacks in parts of the state have continued to attract the attention of the state government.
In response to the growing security concerns, Governor Nasir Idris convened an emergency security meeting at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi over the weekend.
The meeting, according to the state government, was aimed at strengthening coordinated efforts among security agencies and relevant stakeholders to address the emerging security challenges confronting the state.
Governor Idris expressed deep concern over the recent wave of attacks recorded in some parts of Kebbi State and reaffirmed his administration’s determination to tackle insecurity.
He also warned against collaboration with criminal elements, particularly individuals accused of providing information to bandits and other armed groups.
“My administration will not tolerate or spare anyone found to be an informant. Anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law, and justice will be served,” the governor said.
The killing of the three FRSC personnel adds to the growing list of security operatives who have lost their lives in attacks across the Bagudo axis, further underscoring the security challenges facing communities and law enforcement agencies operating in the area.