Kebbi Insecurity: Police Inspector, 11 Others Killed in Fresh Attacks

Twelve people, including a police inspector, have been killed after suspected Lakurawa and Mahmuda terrorists launched attacks on communities in Kebbi State’s riverine belt between October 22 and 28.

The victims were from Karwa, Kestu and Waiwayi communities in Besse/Shanga. The attacks forced residents to flee, leaving the villages largely deserted.
The gunmen reportedly moved along the River Niger bank from Kaoje to Besse, setting houses and motorcycles ablaze while breaking into shops and looting properties.

A local resident, Aminu Usman, said the attacks caught residents unprepared.
“No one expected attack.

They burnt houses and looted property,” he said.
While the police confirmed 12 deaths, local sources put the casualty figure at more than 23 in Koko/Besse and Shanga. The figures have continued to vary because the attacks occurred in different locations and on separate days.

Police records showed that five people were killed on October 26, while seven others died on October 28.

Meanwhile, vigilantes known as Yan Sakai reportedly attacked Samanaji Market on October 22, killing three Fulani traders. A police tactical team from Besse subsequently responded, resulting in three deaths.
One resident disclosed that a man lost four members of his family in a single attack.

With only a few people remaining in the affected communities, those who fled have reportedly been encouraged to return, following assurances from the government that adequate security would be provided.
Aliyu Tailor Besse said the terrorists were moving from one location to another.

“After attacking Kaoje in Bagudo LGA, they started moving along River Niger up to Koko Besse. They were attacking communities along the river as they moved. Those who saw them raised alarm. Some left. Many stayed behind and died,” he said.

Before the latest attacks, the same group reportedly attacked the Lafagu and Boya areas of Kaoje, killing the village head, Alhaji Saidu Mujeli, and six other people.

Police Confirm 12 Deaths
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed the attacks, explaining that they did not occur in one day or in a single community.
“It’s true attack happened. Not in one day, not in one community. It started from 22nd. Figure rose to 12. A police inspector and 11 others were killed,” he said.

He explained that the first attack on Karwa, Kestu and Waiwayi communities on October 22 was repelled, but the assailants returned on October 26 and 28.

According to him, seven people, including a police inspector, were killed during the subsequent attacks.
Expert Attributes Attacks to Terrorists’ Frustration

A retired military officer, Captain Shehu Abubakar, attributed the attacks to terrorists fleeing the presence of a new Army battalion in Kaoje.

He said the armed groups were moving out of the area in search of another base.
“They must leave area to find base. They attacked along River Niger bank while migrating to avenge presence of army base. They moved through Samanaji, Dutsinmari, Zaria Kalakala to Karwa, Kestu, Waiwayi. Security should follow them up so they don’t settle,” he said.
Military Bases Established, But Killings Continue .

Despite the establishment of six Forward Operation Bases in Sakaba, Zuru, Yauri, Augie and Kaoje over the past two years, attacks and killings have continued across the state.

The Birnin Kebbi battalion has also been upgraded to an Armoured Brigade, while another battalion is stationed in Zuru, with additional military units deployed to Kaoje.

Last Wednesday, bandits invaded Dirin-Daji community in Sakaba. A week earlier, three people were killed in Kasabo, Yauri Local Government Area.
Days before that, Lakurawa terrorists attacked the Badagry-Ilela Super Highway construction site at Gubba in Maiyama Local Government Area, killing two soldiers and a Chinese national. The attackers reportedly came from Kebbe in Sokoto State.

The government has yet to make an official statement on the latest attacks.

However, an unnamed government official disclosed that Governor Nasir Idris had procured 109 armoured vehicles.