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 of the state.
The command said the incident followed rumours of cattle rustling by suspected Lakurawa terrorists and an impending attack, prompting the mobilisation of local vigilantes known as Yan Sakai.
The police spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed this on Tuesday while reacting to a viral video showing residents fleeing affected communities towards Koko town.
Usman said the violence occurred on October 22, when armed Yan Sakai members reportedly stormed Samanaji Market and killed three Fulani residents.
He said three other people were injured, while a police inspector deployed with other officers to restore peace also sustained injuries.
According to the spokesperson, subsequent reprisal attacks in Karwa, Tunga Hako and Buma villages led to the burning of several Fulani settlements and the displacement of residents.
“The present displacement is an offshoot of subsequent reprisal showdowns across Karwa, Tunga Hako and Buma villages where several Fulani settlements were burnt,” Usman said.
He 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.
Usman added that investigations into the incident were ongoing.
The command urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of worsening the security situation.
The police did not disclose the number of displaced residents or the extent of damage caused by the violence.
