crime

Police Confirm Three Killed, Inspector Injured in Kebbi Violence

Published

1 hour ago

October 27, 2026

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.

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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.

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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.

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Katsina Governor Mourns Slain Cleric, Demands Probe

Published

6 hours ago

October 27, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka was killed in Katsina alongside an associate. Governor Dikko Radda has condemned the attack and called for a thorough investigation

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has condemned the killing of Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka and his associate, calling on security agencies to investigate the attack and bring those responsible to justice.

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The cleric was reportedly shot dead alongside his associate by unidentified gunmen riding a motorcycle outside his residence in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State on Monday night, October 26, 2026.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, Radda said he was shocked by the incident and extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, the Islamic community and others affected by the killings.

The governor urged security agencies to intensify efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify the suspects and ensure their arrest and prosecution.

“Those behind this heinous act must be brought to justice. I urge the relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators face the full weight of the law,” Radda said.

He also appealed to residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and provide credible information that could assist investigators.

Radda cautioned against actions that could escalate tensions or threaten peace and security in the state.

Describing Masussuka as a religious leader committed to peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony, the governor said the cleric’s teachings centred on the Qur’an, mutual understanding and peaceful relations among people of different faiths.

He added that Masussuka was known for speaking against violent extremism and radicalisation.

The governor urged the bereaved family to remain steadfast in their faith as they mourned their loss.

“I urge the bereaved family to take solace in the will of Almighty Allah and remain steadfast in faith during this difficult period. May Allah grant them the strength and patience to bear this painful loss,” he said.