Kebbi State violence results in deaths and community displacement

Violence in the Koko-Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State has resulted in multiple fatalities and the displacement of residents. According to the Kebbi State Police Command, the unrest involved suspected Mamudawa or Lakurawa terrorists and local vigilantes known as Yan Sakai.

One report indicates that attackers killed a police inspector and 11 civilians during assaults on Waiwayi and Kystu villages, where houses were set ablaze and food items were looted. Another report states that the crisis was triggered by rumors of cattle rustling and imminent terrorist attacks, leading to the mobilization of Yan Sakai. This resulted in the deaths of three Fulani individuals and the injury of a police inspector at Samanaji Market.

Subsequent reprisal attacks in Karwa, Tunga Hako, and Buma villages reportedly saw several Fulani settlements burned, forcing residents to flee toward Koko town. Commissioner of Police Umar M. Hadejia has deployed additional police personnel and joint security teams to the affected areas to restore order and prevent further violence.