Residents have fled several communities in Kebbi State following reprisal attacks that left three people dead and a police inspector injured, the police have confirmed.
The violence along the Besse/Shanga riverine axis reportedly followed rumours of cattle rustling by suspected Lakurawa terrorists and an impending attack, prompting the mobilisation of local vigilantes.
The police spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed this on Tuesday while reacting to a viral video showing residents fleeing towards Koko town.
He said armed vigilantes, popularly known as Yan Sakai, stormed Samanaji Market on October 22, killing three Fulani residents and injuring three others. A police inspector deployed with security teams to restore peace was also injured.
According to Usman, the incident triggered reprisal attacks in Karwa, Tunga Hako and Buma villages, where several Fulani settlements were reportedly burnt.
The police attributed the displacement of residents to the subsequent violence rather than a confirmed terrorist attack, urging the public to avoid spreading unverified reports.
The Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, has deployed additional officers and joint security teams to the affected areas to prevent further escalation.
The command said investigations were ongoing and appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
The police did not disclose the number of people displaced or the full extent of damage caused by the violence.
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