Kebbi violence leaves three people dead and a police inspector injured, as reprisal attacks force residents to flee communities in Koko-Besse LGA

The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed that three people were killed and a police inspector injured during violence along the Besse/Shanga riverine axis, following rumours of cattle rustling and a possible attack by suspected Lakurawa terrorists.

Also read: Kane Edges Mbappé in Tight 2026 Ballon d’Or Race

The violence also triggered reprisal attacks and the displacement of residents from communities in Koko-Besse Local Government Area of the state.

The police spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed the development to PUNCH on Tuesday while responding to a viral video showing residents fleeing their communities towards Koko town over reported security threats.

Usman said the crisis began with rumours that suspected Lakurawa terrorists had rustled cattle and were planning an attack in the area. The reports prompted the mobilisation of local vigilantes known as Yan Sakai across several villages.

According to the police spokesperson, the situation escalated on October 22, 2026, when armed Yan Sakai members reportedly attacked Samanaji Market.

“On 22/10/2026, heavily armed Yan Sakai stormed Samanaji Market, killed three Fulani, injured three others and injured a Police Inspector who was deployed with Police teams to restore peace,” Usman said.

He explained that the displacement of residents followed subsequent reprisal attacks in Karwa, Tunga Hako and Buma villages, where several Fulani settlements were reportedly burnt.

“The present displacement is an offshoot of subsequent reprisal showdowns across Karwa, Tunga Hako and Buma villages where several Fulani settlements were burnt,” he stated.

The police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Hadejia, had deployed additional police personnel and joint security teams to the affected areas to prevent further violence.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, has since deployed additional Police and joint security teams to dominate the space and prevent further escalation, while investigation is ongoing,” Usman added.

The command urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could heighten tensions or worsen the security situation.

“Residents are urged to remain calm and disregard unverified narratives,” Usman said.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of residents fleeing affected communities along the Besse/Shanga riverine axis.

Also read: Kane Edges Mbappé in Tight 2026 Ballon d’Or Race

The police have not disclosed the number of people displaced or the full extent of the damage caused by the reported attacks. Investigations into the violence are ongoing.