Kebbi Residents Block Road Over Insecurity

Residents of Kebbi State blocked the Jega, Kontagora highway on Saturday. They were protesting against repeated attacks by suspected Lakurawa terrorists. These attacks have forced many families from their homes and disrupted farming in several rural areas.

The protest left many motorists stuck for hours. It happened as complaints of displacement and property destruction grew in communities around Jega.

Daily Trust reported that protesters set bonfires on the highway. This was despite police efforts to break up the protest using tear gas.

The protest took place as political tensions rose ahead of the 2027 governorship election. The state government accused the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) of spreading lies and promoting political violence.

Displaced Families Seek Shelter

Nazeer Muhammad, a resident of Jega, spoke to Daily Trust. He said the attacks had caused people from nearby villages to flee their homes.

He mentioned that some displaced families had come from Mayama and Ungushi communities in Sokoto State. Another resident, Malam Idris, told the newspaper that around eight trucks with displaced people arrived in Jega on Sunday.

Some families are staying in schools. Others have no shelter and rely on help from local residents.

Communities Demand Protection

Residents of Alelu, Kimba, Jandutsi, and Jadadi communities in Jega Local Government Area had earlier reached out to Governor Nasir Idris. They asked for urgent help.

In an open letter dated October 9, a resident of Alelu named Sufiyan requested permanent security in the Alelu, Kimba, Jandutsi area. He also asked for humanitarian aid for affected families and for the governor to visit.

According to Daily Post, the letter explained how repeated attacks disrupted farming, destroyed homes, and forced families to run away.

Police Acknowledge Security Challenges

The Kebbi State Police Command has admitted that there are security issues in the affected areas. Its spokesperson, Bashir Usman, told Daily Post that police have responded to distress calls and fought back against several attacks.

He said some of the threats come from a neighboring state. He also mentioned that a police inspector was killed during security operations.

The police urged residents not to block major highways. They warned that such actions could disrupt traffic and pull police away from ongoing operations.

Separately, SaharaReporters shared a video showing suspected Lakurawa fighters attacking villages in Kebbi. The video showed armed men on motorcycles as they set buildings on fire and took away residents' belongings and food.

PREMIUM TIMES has not confirmed the video’s location or date. They also have not verified if the incident relates to the attacks in Jega.

Meanwhile, residents of the affected communities are asking for permanent security, aid for displaced families, and government action to help them return safely to their homes and farms.