A Chinese national and two Nigerian soldiers have been killed after suspected armed assailants attacked a road construction site in Kebbi State, northwestern Nigeria.
The attack occurred at Gubba village in the Andarai District of Maiyama Local Government Area, where workers were involved in the construction of the federal government’s Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the deaths, saying two civilians were also injured during the incident. The injured victims were evacuated for medical treatment as security agencies began efforts to track down those responsible.
Suspected Lakurawa Group Blamed for Attack
According to the police, the attackers were suspected members of the Lakurawa armed group, who allegedly entered the area from the Kebbe axis of neighbouring Sokoto State before launching a surprise attack on the construction workers.
Police spokesperson Bashir Usman said the two soldiers were providing security for the Chinese national and other workers when the assailants struck.
Authorities have not publicly released the identities of the deceased soldiers. The police spokesperson said the victims were military personnel and that their details were not available for release by the police.
Construction Work Suspended After the Attack
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of workers involved in major infrastructure projects in northwestern Nigeria.
Construction activities at the affected site were suspended following the attack as security agencies increased surveillance and deployed additional personnel to the area.
Police also reported that another suspected attack along the Birnin Malam axis was repelled by security teams.
The authorities said joint security operations were continuing to prevent further attacks and protect workers and nearby communities.
Fresh Concerns Over Security in Kebbi
Kebbi and neighbouring Sokoto State have faced recurring security challenges involving armed groups accused of attacking communities, security personnel and infrastructure.
The latest incident adds to concerns about the ability of armed groups to move across remote areas and target locations where workers may have limited protection.
The Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway is a major federal infrastructure project intended to improve transport connections across parts of Nigeria. Attacks affecting construction sites can disrupt work, threaten the safety of personnel and create additional security costs.
Authorities have not announced a definitive motive for the latest attack, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Security Agencies Launch Search for Suspects
The Kebbi State Police Command said joint security agencies were pursuing the suspected attackers.
Military operations have also intensified in the wider Maiyama area. In a separate incident, troops repelled an attack on a military base and recovered motorcycles, weapons, ammunition and communications equipment, according to the military task force operating in the region.
The two incidents highlight the continuing security pressure facing communities and infrastructure projects in the state.
For now, authorities are focused on identifying those responsible, protecting construction workers and preventing further attacks. The latest killings have also renewed attention to the security arrangements surrounding major infrastructure projects in Nigeria's northwest.
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
