Suspected Mamudawa/Lakurawa terrorists on Wednesday attacked Wawilaiyi and Kystu villages in Koko/Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing a police inspector and 11 civilians.

The state police command spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed the incident to our correspondent over the telephone on Thursday.

He said the police inspector was killed in an exchange of gunfire with the attackers, adding that his identity had yet to be confirmed as investigations continued.

The attackers reportedly set houses ablaze and looted food items from shops in the affected communities, forcing residents to flee their homes for safety.

Usman said the police and other security agencies had cordoned off the affected areas to prevent further attacks and launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.

“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.

He, however, assured that adequate security had been deployed to the affected area to improve the security of the communities.

The incident has heightened concerns over the security of rural communities in the state.