Police confirm three deaths, inspector injured in Kebbi violence
KEBBI, Nigeria — The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed that three individuals were killed, and a police inspector was injured during violent clashes on the Besse–Shanga riverine axis of the state.
The violence reportedly stemmed from rumors of cattle rustling attributed to suspected Lakurawa terrorists, which prompted the mobilization of local vigilante groups known as Yan Sakai.
Police spokesperson SP Bashir Usman addressed the situation on Tuesday, responding to a viral video that depicted residents fleeing from affected communities toward Koko town. The incidents occurred on October 22, when armed members of Yan Sakai allegedly attacked Samanaji Market, resulting in the deaths of three Fulani residents.
Usman noted that three other individuals sustained injuries in addition to the police inspector, who was part of a team sent to restore order. Reports indicate that subsequent reprisal attacks in the villages of Karwa, Tunga Hako, and Buma led to the destruction of multiple Fulani settlements and the displacement of residents.
“The current displacement is a consequence of retaliatory clashes across Karwa, Tunga Hako, and Buma, where several Fulani settlements were set ablaze,” Usman said.
In response to the escalating violence, Commissioner of Police Umar Hadejia has deployed additional personnel and joint security teams to the affected areas to prevent further unrest.
Usman confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing and urged local residents to remain calm while refraining from spreading unverified information that could exacerbate the security situation.
The police have not reported the number of displaced residents or provided details on the extent of the damage caused by the violence.
