How Kebbi State Deputy Governor Escaped Terrorists

Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Sama’ilaYombe has narrowly escaped death after some unknown gunmen waylaid his entourage on their way to Kanya village.

He explained that the security with him could not immediately retaliate as the suspected terrorists camouflaged as ordinary civilians.

Speaking to newsmen on Wednesday evening, in Yombe, a retired colonel in the army, said he went to Kanya village in Zuru emirate on Tuesday in the company of the 223 Battalion commanding officer to assess the level of assistance given to security agencies in the state by the state government.

Some said when his convoy arrived in the village they got security reports that the bandits were already mixed with members of the community.

“When we arrived yesterday (Tuesday) at Kanya, we got reports that the bandits mixed up with the inhabitants of Kanya.

 “So, It was difficult to have fought the bandits amid the people because the collateral damage would have been much.

“Then we then adopted a strategy to move out of the town so that they follow us. In the process, because we were both vulnerable, both sides recorded casualties.

The Deputy Governor who commended the Zuru Battalion of the Nigerian Army said they fought hard against the seemingly high number of bandits.

He revealed that from the gunshots, one could assume there were about 200 or 250 terrorists. And the soldiers were a unit of about 30 troops, escorting the commanding officer.

“In terms of strength, the soldiers were overwhelmed. The troops couldn't manoeuvre but they were able to disengage from the terrorists to safer ground.”

However, when he was asked to disclose the number of casualties on the side of the government, he declined, saying “No, I cannot disclose the number. It is against the ethics of the profession.”