Police in Kebbi say at least 12 people have been killed in separate attacks across communities in the state.

The police also said suspected Lakurawa terrorists who carried out the attack also burned houses, motorcycles and looted shops in Waiwayi village, Koko-Besse Local Government Area.

Kebbi State Police spokesperson SP Bashir Usman said five people were killed in an attack on October 26, while seven others died in attacks on October 28 in the Karwa, Kestu and Waiwayi axis. The victims included a police inspector.

“The Command identified the attackers as suspected Mamudawa/Lakurawa terrorists and said its joint security teams repelled the attacks, disputing accounts circulating on social media about the incidents.

A resident, Sanusi Koko, described extensive destruction in Waiwayi, including burned buildings, damaged property, and deserted streets.

He explained that the attackers killed people, drove residents away, and burned their houses, leaving the community in ruins.

Usman said the command was aware of the situation in villages along the Besse/Shanga riverine axis and the video circulating online.

He further explained that the crisis began with a rumor of alleged cattle rustling by suspected Lakurawa elements and an imminent threat of attack.

According to him, the rumour triggered the mobilisation of vigilantes known as Yan Sakai, who allegedly attacked Fulani traders at Samanaji Market on October 22, 2026.

“This triggered the mass mobilisation of rogue Yan Sakai, who, on October 22, 2026, invaded Samanaji Market and attacked innocent Fulani traders who had come to conduct their lawful businesses,” he said.

He said police tactical teams deployed by the Divisional Police Officer in Besse responded to the incident to restore peace and prevent further violence.

“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,” Usman said.

The police spokesperson said the displacement of residents from some communities resulted from subsequent reprisal attacks.

“The present displacement of residents is an offshoot of reprisal attacks in some villages,” he said.

Usman added that suspected Mamudawa/Lakurawa terrorists attacked communities along the Karwa, Kestu and Waiwayi axis on October 26 and 28, but security operatives repelled the assaults.

“Meanwhile, recent attacks on October 26 and 28 in the Karwa, Kestu and Waiwayi axis by suspected Mamudawa/Lakurawa terrorists were gallantly repelled by our joint security teams, although seven people unfortunately lost their lives, including a police inspector who paid the supreme price in the line of duty,” he said.

The police account puts the death toll from the October 26 and 28 attacks at 12, including the five people killed on October 26 and seven killed on October 28. The narrator in the video, however, claimed that as many as 20 people died in the assault on Waiwayi.

The figures could not be independently reconciled from the information available.

Usman said the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, had ordered clearance, search-and-rescue, and confidence-building operations across the affected areas.

“Additional.. Police Mobile Force (PMF), tactical and conventional teams have been deployed to work in synergy with other security agencies to dominate the area and restore lasting peace,” he said.

He added that investigations into the incidents were ongoing and urged residents to remain calm.

“Investigation is ongoing, and residents are urged to remain calm and disregard unverified narratives being circulated to cause panic,” he added. (The Guardian)