Three killed in Kebbi violence, residents flee their homes

The Kebbi State Police have confirmed that three people lost their lives and a police inspector was hurt during violence along the Besse/Shanga river area. This unrest followed rumors of cattle rustling and a possible attack by suspected Lakurawa terrorists.

The police said the violence caused many people to leave their homes in Koko-Besse Local Government Area. Local vigilantes, known as Yan Sakai, were mobilized in response, leading to retaliation.

Police spokesperson SP Bashir Usman shared this information during a phone interview with a PUNCH Metro reporter on Tuesday. This came after a viral video showed people fleeing their homes towards Koko town due to fears of terrorist attacks.

Usman explained that the trouble started with rumors about cattle rustling by Lakurawa terrorists and an impending attack. This led to the mobilization of Yan Sakai in several villages.

"On 22/10/2026, heavily armed Yan Sakai went to Samanaji Market and killed three Fulani people, injured three others, and also hurt a police inspector who was there to help restore peace," Usman said.

He added that the displacement in the affected areas was due to retaliatory attacks in Karwa, Tunga Hako, and Buma villages, where many Fulani homes were reportedly set on fire.

"The current displacement is a result of retaliation across Karwa, Tunga Hako, and Buma villages where several Fulani settlements were burnt," the police spokesman explained.

Usman mentioned that the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, has sent more police officers and joint security teams to the areas to stop further violence.

"The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, has deployed additional police and joint security teams to maintain peace and stop further escalation, while investigations are ongoing," he said.

The police asked residents to stay calm and not share unverified information that could worsen the security situation.

"Residents are urged to remain calm and ignore unverified stories," Usman said.

The police statement comes as worries rise about the safety of people fleeing their homes after the reported violence along the Besse/Shanga river area.

The police did not give details on how many people have been displaced or the damage caused by the attacks.