Suspected Lakurawa terrorists have killed 12 people, including a police inspector, during an attack on two communities in Koko/Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The criminal elements reportedly stormed Wawilaiyi and Kystu villages on Wednesday, killing 11 civilians and the police officer in an assault that also left several houses burnt and shops looted.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the incident on Thursday, saying the inspector was killed during a gun battle with the attackers.
The command’s spokesman, SP Bashir Usman noted that the identity of the deceased officer was yet to be established as investigations were ongoing.
“Yes, there was an attack on Wawilaiyi and Kystu villages by suspected Mamudawa terrorists. Unfortunately, they killed one police inspector during an exchange of fire.
“I cannot give you his name yet until we conclude our investigation,” he said.
Usman said security operatives had been deployed to the affected communities, with the police and other security agencies securing the area against further attacks.
He added that a manhunt had been launched to track down those responsible for the killings.
The attack reportedly forced residents to abandon their homes and flee to safer locations following the destruction of property and the looting of food supplies from shops.
The latest incident has renewed concerns about the growing security threats confronting rural communities in Kebbi State, particularly the vulnerability of residents to attacks by armed groups.
