Police inspector and 11 others lose their lives as terrorists attack Kebbi communities

Residents of Karwa, Kestu and Waiwayi in Besse/Shanga riverine areas of Kebbi State have fled their communities as suspected members of the Lakurawa and Mamudawa terror groups murdered 11 residents and a police inspector in a series of attacks they have launched on the communities.

The terrorists carried out a series of attacks on the communities in Besse and Shanga from the 22nd to 28 October, this year, Daily Trust gathered. 

During the attacks, they burnt houses and looted property as they moved along the River Niger bank from Kaoje to Besse.

A local, Aminu Usman, who spoke to Daily Trust, said the attack on the communities was devastating as the gunmen burnt houses and property before retreating to their hideouts.

"The attack took many of the villagers unawares. No one expected that the Lakurawa terrorists would attack us. The attack was carried out in a coordinated manner. They burnt our houses and looted our property. Many people have been rendered homeless and they have fled the communities,” he said.

Though the police said five people were murdered in an attack on October 26, while seven others died in attacks on October 28 in the Karwa, Kestu and Waiwayi area of the state, bringing the total to 12, including a police inspector, locals who spoke under condition of anonymity said over 23 people actually lost their lives in the Lakurawa/Mamudawa attacks on the communities of Koko Besse and Shanga areas of Kebbi.

“They murdered people and took their valuables. They burnt motorcycles and broke into shops and took whatever they wanted,” a source said.

He added that rumour of the attacks triggered the mobilisation of vigilantes known as Yan Sakai, who allegedly attacked some Fulani traders at Samanaji Market on October 22, 2026.

A resident who spoke to the publication said, “I know a man who lost four of his family members in the attack. As I speak, only a few people are left in the affected communities. Some of them who fled for safety during the attack are just returning on the assurance by the security agents and government that measures are being put in place to ensure our safety."

He called on the government to come to their aid as some of the residents have nowhere to stay.

Another resident, Aliyu Tailor Besse, said the attack was carried out by the Lakurawa terrorists group.

“What happened was that after attacking communities in Kaoje area of Bagudo Local Government, they started moving along the River Niger up to Koko Besse area. They were attacking communities along the River Niger as they moved towards Besse community. Many people were killed in the attacks. Prior to the attacks, those who saw them moving along the River Niger banks had raised an alarm calling on residents of the communities along the area to vacate. Some left, but many others stayed behind,” he said.

Daily Trust gathered that a few days before the Karwa, Kestu and Waiwayi attacks, suspected members of the Lakurawa group also attacked Lafagu and other communities in Boya area of Kaoje, murdering the village head, Alhaji Saidu Mujeli, and six others before leaving the area through the River Niger bank to attack other communities in Besse and Shanga.

It was gathered that despite the establishment of an army battalion in Kaoje to curtail the activities of terrorists, attacks have continued.

The spokesperson for the State Police Command, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed the attack.

“It’s true that the attack happened but it did not happen in one day and not in one community. It started from the 22nd of this month. The casualties recorded was not in a single attack. They attacked many of the communities in the riverine area and that’s why the figure of those killed rose to 12. A police inspector and 11 others were killed in the attacks,” he said.

He said members of the Lakurawa terrorists group had earlier attacked communities along the Karwa, Kestu and Waiwayi axis on 22nd of October, but security operatives repelled them. He said they later carried out attacks on the communities of Karwa, Kestu and Waiwayi on October 26 and 28.

“Although the joint security teams repelled the attacks, seven people unfortunately lost their lives, including a police inspector,” he said.

He added that earlier, members of the Yan Sakai, had invaded Samanaji Market and killed Fulani traders.

“Our police tactical teams deployed by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Besse, responded promptly to restore peace and prevent further carnage. However, three Fulani people lost their lives, while a police inspector sustained injuries in the line of duty,” he said.

The PPRO said a tactical team of the police had been deployed to the troubled communities and normalcy is gradually returning to the area.

“The police have launched investigation into the attack and is following up on the attackers,” he said.