Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Col. Samaila Yombe (Rtd), has dismissed the claim that he led troops attacked by bandits resulting in the death of some soldiers in the southern part of the state, describing it as baseless.
Last week bandits massacred 65 Yan-Sa-Kai in Makuku village of Sakaba Local Government Area and killed some soldiers in Kanya village of Danko/Wasagu LGA both of Kebbi State.
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Yombe, dismissed the rumour while chatting with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi, wondering how serving soldiers would take command from a retired officer.
He added that he was in the southern part of the state for confidence restoration to Internally Displaced Persons so they could return to their localities.
He said his movement coincided with that of the troops who were on a different mission, adding it was not tenable in the military that a retired officer would give an order.
Yombe, further explained that he was going on the same route when the troops and his convoy came under attack in Kanya as bandits opened fire on them, adding that one of his bodyguards was killed.
“I equally heard such rumour that that they are my escort. I coincidentally met soldiers on their way to carry out a different mission, we just happened to be on the same route.
“The soldiers even need more troops to carry out their mission. So, why should I ask for a military escort? I am not even entitled to a military escort. I have my escort.
“It is absolutely absurd for anybody to have said that I was a leading troops that were escorting me. That has never happened. Nobody will believe that a retired Colonel will be leading existing arm forces.”
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