Suspected terrorists unleashed horror on the Debe community in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State on Monday, killing at least 24 villagers and leaving a trail of destruction that reduced a Catholic church, homes, and shops to ashes. The attack, which struck in the early hours of the morning, cut across religious and social lines, with victims including Catholics, other Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora confirmed the incident through its Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Matthew Stephen Kabirat. He said the gunmen invaded the village around 5am, opening fire indiscriminately on residents. “The victims cut across religious and social groups, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the violence,” Fr. Kabirat stated.
Among the dead were five members of the Catholic community: Solomon Gyara, Amos Kagbede, John Solomon, Luka Ishaku, and Yahaya Ayuba. Two others from different Christian denominations, Pastor Ibrahim Mokoshi and Hassan Karaya, were also killed. The violence did not spare traditional worshippers either. Daura Wojjo, Kogoli Dogo Maigoro, Magandalla Gbakutali, Kalema Gbakutali, Yaron Daura, Abanza Bawa, and Jato Karaya all lost their lives.
Six victims from the Muslim community were identified as Zamani Tanko, Wanzam Bushe, Shekaru Guntu, Sani Maiginan Rijiya, Awwal Shehu Makeri, and Abakar Lenike. The mix of faiths among the dead has deepened grief in Debe, with community leaders describing the assault as an attack on humanity itself rather than any single group.
Beyond the human toll, the destruction was extensive. The Roman Catholic Church in Debe, an outstation of Sacred Heart Parish, Shafaci, of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, was completely razed. The residence of the catechist, Mr. Zakariya Sule, was also burned down. Many houses were destroyed, and at least 14 shops were burnt, dealing a heavy economic blow to the already vulnerable community.
The Kebbi State Police Command said suspected Mamudawa terrorists attacked Debe and surrounding villages, including Kawara and Kalkami, taking advantage of the wetland terrain. Search and recovery efforts are still ongoing, raising fears that the death toll could rise. Villagers have fled, leaving the community displaced and tense.
Calls are mounting for urgent government intervention, a full investigation, and humanitarian assistance for the affected families. As Debe mourns, leaders insist the attack underscores the need for stronger security and coordinated action to protect rural communities from recurring violence.
