At least 12 people, including a police inspector, have been killed in attacks by suspected Lakurawa fighters on communities in Kebbi State, forcing residents to flee their homes.
The attacks occurred on October 26 and 28, 2026, in the Karwa, Kestu and Waiwayi areas of Koko-Besse Local Government Area.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the fatalities, while residents reported widespread destruction, including burnt houses, damaged motorcycles and looted shops.
Videos circulating on social media show people moving through affected communities amid reports of panic and displacement.
The incidents have renewed concerns about insecurity in rural communities across northwestern Nigeria.
Police Confirm 12 Deaths in Kebbi Attacks
The spokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed that suspected Mamudawa/Lakurawa fighters carried out attacks in the affected communities.Nigerian security personnel pictured during an operation. Authorities continue efforts to address insecurity in affected communities.
According to the police, five people were killed on October 26, while seven others died during subsequent attacks on October 28.
The victims included a police inspector who was reportedly killed during an exchange of gunfire with the attackers.
Usman said joint security teams responded to the incidents and repelled the assailants.
The identity of the deceased police inspector had not been publicly disclosed as investigations continued.
Residents Flee as Homes and Shops Are Destroyed
Residents of Waiwayi and neighbouring communities reportedly abandoned their homes following the attacks.
Footage shared on X shows scenes of people moving through a rural settlement, while other videos circulating online show damaged buildings and deserted areas.
Reports indicate that some residents fled towards Koko town in search of safety.
The attackers were also accused of setting houses and motorcycles ablaze and stealing food items and other valuables from shops.
A resident identified as Sanusi Koko described extensive destruction in Waiwayi, including damaged property and abandoned streets.
The displacement has raised concerns about the safety of families, access to shelter and the protection of communities exposed to further attacks.
Conflicting Reports Emerge Over Death Toll
Although the police confirmed 12 fatalities across the affected communities, some accounts circulating on social media suggest that the number of victims could be higher.
In one video reportedly recorded in Waiwayi, a narrator alleged that as many as 20 people had been killed in the community.
However, that higher figure has not been independently confirmed.
The police maintained that 12 deaths had been recorded in the October 26 and 28 attacks.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid circulating unverified information while investigations continue.
Police Explain Events Leading to Violence
The Kebbi State Police Command said the recent attacks followed earlier tensions in communities along the Besse/Shanga riverine axis.
According to SP Bashir Usman, rumours of cattle rustling and an impending attack by suspected Lakurawa fighters triggered the mobilisation of local vigilantes known as Yan Sakai.
The police alleged that some vigilantes attacked Fulani traders at Samanaji Market on October 22, killing three people and injuring others.
Subsequent reprisal attacks reportedly contributed to displacement and destruction in neighbouring communities.
The police said security personnel were deployed to prevent further violence before the latest attacks occurred.
Security Forces Launch Operations in Affected Communities
Following the attacks, Kebbi State Commissioner of Police Umar M. Hadejia ordered additional security operations across the affected areas.
The measures include clearance operations, search-and-rescue efforts and increased patrols.
Additional Police Mobile Force personnel, tactical teams and conventional police officers have been deployed to work with other security agencies.
Authorities also confirmed that efforts were underway to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The police urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel as investigations continue.
Renewed Concerns Over Rural Insecurity
The attacks have highlighted continuing security challenges facing communities in Kebbi State and other parts of northwestern Nigeria.
Suspected Lakurawa fighters have been linked to attacks on villages, cattle rustling and other violent activities in the region.
The latest incidents have disrupted daily activities and forced some families to leave their homes.
For residents of Waiwayi, Karwa and Kestu, immediate concerns include restoring safety, returning to their communities and rebuilding damaged property.
The incidents have also raised questions about the effectiveness of early-warning systems and the ability of security agencies to protect vulnerable settlements.
As investigations continue, the priority for affected communities remains the restoration of security and assistance for displaced residents.
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