New terror group, Lakurawa, Kills 15, rustles 100 cows in Kebbi

A new armed group known as Lakurawa has reportedly killed 15 people and stolen over 100 cattle in Mera, located in Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Alhaji Bashir Isah Mera (Yariman Mera), a notable figure in the area, confirmed to Daily Trust that the attack occurred as residents were preparing for Jumat prayers. The armed group took away more than 100 cattle during the raid.

In response, hundreds of townspeople mobilized and chased the attackers into the bush, attempting to reclaim the stolen livestock. This led to a gunfight in which 15 people from the town were killed, while two of the attackers were also reportedly killed.

Mera noted that the Lakurawa group operates from their hideouts in the forests of Sokoto, coordinating such attacks from there. Initially, their activities involved seizing cattle and demanding ‘Zakat’ payments from the owners without causing fatalities. However, this attack marked the first time they had taken lives in the town.

Governor Nasir Idris contacted Mera twice, expressing deep concern over the violence and ordering the deployment of military forces to help stabilize the community. Additionally, the commander of Dukku barracks, along with the heads of DSS and the police, have mobilized joint security forces to restore peace in Mera and surrounding areas.

The Deputy Governor, Senator Abubakar Umar Tafida, and the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mera, visited the town to offer condolences to the families of the victims. They assured residents that the governor is committed to protecting the community from future assaults by the group.

Efforts to reach SP Nafiu Abubakar, the Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Police Command, for comments were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

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