Residents of Kebbi State blocked the Jega–Kontagora highway on Saturday to protest repeated attacks by suspected Lakurawa terrorists, which have forced families from their homes and disrupted farming in several rural communities.
The protest left motorists stranded for hours. It came amid complaints of displacement and destruction of property in communities around Jega.
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Daily Trust reported that protesters lit bonfires on the highway despite attempts by the police to disperse them with tear gas.
The protest took place as political exchanges intensified ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with the state government accusing the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) of spreading falsehoods and sponsoring political violence.
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Displaced families seek shelter
Nazeer Muhammad, a Jega resident, told Daily Trust that repeated attacks had driven people from surrounding villages to flee their homes.
He said some displaced families had arrived from Mayama and Ungushi communities in neighbouring Sokoto State.
Another resident, identified as Malam Idris, told the newspaper that about eight trucks carrying displaced people arrived in Jega on Sunday.
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Some families were staying in schools, while others had no shelter and depended on assistance from local residents.
Communities demand protection
Residents of Alelu, Kimba, Jandutsi and Jadadi communities in Jega Local Government Area had earlier appealed to Governor Nasir Idris for urgent intervention.
In an open letter dated 9 October, a resident of Alelu, identified as Sufiyan, called for permanent security deployments in the Alelu–Kimba–Jandutsi axis, humanitarian assistance for affected families and a visit by the governor.
According to Daily Post, the letter described how repeated attacks had disrupted farming, destroyed homes and forced families to flee.
Police acknowledge security challenges
The Kebbi State Police Command has acknowledged the security challenges confronting the affected communities.
Its spokesperson, Bashir Usman, told Daily Post that police personnel had responded to distress calls, repelled several attacks and intensified operations against armed groups.
He attributed part of the threat to its cross-border nature, saying attacks originated from a neighbouring state.
Mr Usman also disclosed that a police inspector had been killed during security operations.
The command urged residents to avoid blocking major highways, warning that such protests could disrupt traffic and divert personnel from ongoing operations.
Separately, SaharaReporters published footage it said showed suspected Lakurawa fighters attacking settlements in Kebbi, setting buildings ablaze and taking residents’ belongings and food supplies.
The footage appeared to show armed men riding motorcycles through a settlement as buildings burned.
PREMIUM TIMES has not independently verified the location or date of the footage or established whether the incident was connected to the attacks around Jega.
New police chief assumes office
The attacks and protests coincided with a change in leadership at the Nigeria Police Force’s Zone 10 headquarters in Sokoto.
Ahmed Musa assumed office on Monday as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone, which covers Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
In a statement reported by PRNigeria, Mr Musa pledged to strengthen security operations and cooperation among the police, military and other agencies.
He also urged residents to provide credible information to help prevent and investigate crimes.
Mr Musa succeeded Augustine Grimah, who retired from the police.
Kebbi government criticises ADC
In a separate political development, the Kebbi State Government defended Governor Idris’ performance ahead of the 2027 governorship election and accused the ADC and its governorship candidate, former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, of spreading false claims about the administration.
The governor’s Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Idris, made the allegations in a statement on Sunday, Punch reported.
He said the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration would campaign on its achievements in workers’ welfare, education, healthcare and infrastructure.
Mr Idris claimed the administration had paid more than N7 billion in inherited gratuity, death benefits and pension arrears.
READ ALSO: Lakurawa terrorists kill two security officers, foreign workers in Kebbi – Police
He also cited the rehabilitation of more than 3,000 primary and secondary schools, construction of 300 new schools and recruitment of over 2,000 teachers.
The figures have not been independently verified by PREMIUM TIMES.
The governor’s aide further accused the ADC of sponsoring political thuggery and alleged that opposition supporters destroyed APC billboards, posters and vehicles during recent violence in Jega.
He called on security agencies to investigate the incidents and prosecute those found responsible.
The allegations have not been independently established.
Mr Idris also criticised Mr Malami’s Independence Day address, in which the ADC politician reportedly promised prompt payment of salaries and improved facilities for civil servants.
He argued that the pledges overlooked steps already taken by the administration, including payment of outstanding workers’ entitlements and construction of a state secretariat.
The reports reviewed did not contain the ADC’s response to the allegations. PREMIUM TIMES has yet to independently obtain the party’s reaction.
Meanwhile, residents of the affected communities are seeking permanent security deployments, assistance for displaced families and government intervention to enable them to return safely to their homes and farms.
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