A newly active armed group known as Lakurawa, operating in Sokoto and Kebbi States, launched an attack on Mera town in Kebbi State’s Augie Local Government Area on Friday, resulting in at least fifteen deaths.
Alhaji Bashir Mera, a local source, confirmed the attack, noting that the group struck as residents were preparing for Friday Jumaat prayers. The assailants made off with over a hundred cattle.
“When we heard about the attack, residents mobilized hundreds to pursue the group into the bush to retrieve the stolen cattle, which led to an exchange of gunfire. This resulted in the deaths of fifteen townspeople and two members of the Lakurawa group,” he said.
Another resident, Yarima, noted that the group operates out of Sokoto, where it coordinates its activities. He explained that initially, the group did not engage in killings but only seized cattle, demanding Zakat, the obligatory charity in Islam, from wealth meeting the required threshold. This activity had persisted for nearly two months.
“This is the first time they’ve carried out a deadly attack in Mera,” Yarima added. “The governor expressed deep concern, calling me twice after learning of the incident. He promptly deployed armed soldiers with gun trucks and armored tanks to secure the area.”
Security reinforcements, including the commanding officer from Dukku barracks, the DSS director, the Commissioner of Police, and combined forces, have since restored calm in the town.
The Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, along with the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mera, visited the town to offer condolences to the families of the victims and reassure residents of their safety. The deputy governor affirmed that the governor is deeply concerned and is committed to protecting residents from further threats by the group.
Efforts to contact Kebbi State Police spokesperson, SP Nafiu Abubakar, were unsuccessful as his phone remained unreachable at the time of this report.
Recently, the Nigerian Army confirmed that troops are monitoring the presence of a new terror group in Sokoto and Kebbi States. Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that this group reportedly has affiliations with jihadist factions in Mali and Niger, raising security concerns in northwestern Nigeria.
Buba attributed the emergence of the group to political instability in Mali and Niger, which has facilitated the entry of extremist elements into Nigeria. The military, he noted, is closely monitoring the group’s activities and is developing countermeasures.
