BIRNIN KEBBI— Suspected Mamudawa/Lakurawa terrorists killed a police inspector and 11 civilians in coordinated attacks on rural communities in Kebbi State over the past week, according to the state police command.
The assaults occurred on October 26 and 28 in the Karwa, Kestu and Waiwayi axis of Koko-Besse Local Government Area. Police reported five deaths on October 26 and seven more—including the police inspector—on October 28, for a confirmed total of 12 fatalities.
Kebbi State Police Command spokesperson SP Bashir Usman confirmed the deaths, stating that joint security teams “gallantly repelled” the attackers. “Yes, there was an attack on the villages of Waiwayi and Kystu by suspected Mamudawa, and unfortunately, during an exchange of fire, they killed one police inspector. I can’t give you his name yet till we finish investigation,” Usman said.
Attackers set houses, shops and motorcycles ablaze and looted food and other items, forcing many surviving residents to flee to safer areas including Koko town. A video circulating online, obtained by SaharaReporters, showed widespread destruction in Waiwayi village, with a narrator claiming the death toll could be as high as 20—higher than the official police figure.
The violence followed earlier unrest. On October 22, rumours of cattle rustling and an impending Lakurawa attack prompted local vigilantes known as Yan Sakai to mobilise. They reportedly stormed Samanaji Market, killing three Fulani traders and injuring others, including a police inspector deployed to restore order. Subsequent reprisals contributed to displacement in riverine communities along the Besse/Shanga axis.
Commissioner of Police Umar M. Hadejia has ordered clearance, search-and-rescue and confidence-building operations. Additional Police Mobile Force units, tactical teams and conventional personnel have been deployed to work with other security agencies to secure the area and prevent further attacks. Investigations are ongoing, and residents have been urged to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
The incidents add to ongoing security challenges in parts of northwestern Nigeria, where groups identified as Lakurawa and related factions have targeted rural communities, security personnel and livelihoods. Police said the affected areas have been cordoned off and a manhunt for the assailants is underway.
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