By Sabiu Abdullahi
Gunmen have killed and beheaded the village head of Lafagu community in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed the incident, which occurred on Sunday.
Usman said the identity of the traditional ruler had not been disclosed, adding that some suspects had been arrested in connection with the killing.
“Yes, it is true the village head was killed in Lafagu under Bagudo Local Government. We have made some arrests in respect of the incident and will provide details later,” the PPRO said.
However, preliminary findings cited by PUNCH suggested that the attack may have been carried out by an armed ethnic militia rather than bandits or Lakurawa insurgents.
A source, Tukur Kaoje, said Fulani, Kambarawa and Bargawa communities had lived together in the area for decades before the recent escalation of insecurity linked to allegations of cattle rustling and kidnapping.
Kaoje alleged that the reported infiltration of some communities by Lakurawa fighters led some residents of Bargawa and Kambarawa communities to accuse Fulani residents of involvement in the attacks.
He said armed groups were subsequently formed to confront the alleged threats.
Kaoje further alleged that the militia recently attacked Boya village, where he claimed scores of Fulani residents were killed.
“Yes, the village head was beheaded in Lafagu, but we are not sure whether the killers were bandits or Lakurawa. There are allegations that it was carried out by an armed ethnic militia.”
He described the situation in Lafagu and neighbouring communities as tense and called for urgent government intervention to prevent further deterioration.
He also warned that failure to address the situation could trigger a wider cycle of communal violence that may become increasingly difficult to contain.
The police have yet to establish publicly who was responsible for the killing, while investigations into the incident continue.
