15 killed, 100 cows rustled as new terror group ‘Lakurawa’ attack Kebbi community
No fewer than 15 people have been reportedly murdered by the new armed group, Lakurawa, while over 100 cows were rustled in Mera, Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
A prominent personality in the town, Alhaji Bashir Isah Mera (Yariman Mera), while confirming the attack to Daily Trust, said the group invaded the town as people were getting set for Jumat prayer and made away with over 100 cattle.
“On hearing this, people of the town mobilised in their hundreds and pursued them to the bush in a bid to recover the cows.
“There was exchange of fire between the people of the town and the bandits, which led to the killing of 15 people, and two of the lakurawas were also killed,” he said.
Mera added that the Lukarawas are hiding in Sokoto bush from where they coordinate their attacks.
“Initially, they didn’t kill; they only confiscated cows and asked owners to pay ‘Zakat’. That has been happening for almost two months. This is their first attack in which they killed 15 people in our town,” he said.
Mera said Governor Nasir Idris had called him on the phone twice, expressing worry over the killings and ordering the deployment of soldiers to the community to contain the situation, adding that the commanding officer of Dukku barracks, DSS boss, Commissioner of Police, and combined security forces have been mobilised to restore normalcy to Mera town and its environs.
Also, the state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Abubakar Umar Tafida and Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mera, have visited Mera town to sympathise with the families of the deceased while assuring the people that the governor had pledged to ensure their protection against further attacks by the terror group.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Nafiu Abubakar, could not be reached on the phone for comments when filing this report.
The Informant247 had earlier reported that a new terrorist group, Lukarawas, operating in the northwestern states of Sokoto and Kebbi, has emerged.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, while confirming this development, said this group crossed into Nigeria from Niger following the recent military coup that disrupted joint border security efforts, aggravating regional security concerns in the country.
According to Maj Gen. Edward, the group reportedly gained local acceptance initially, but security forces have since intensified Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) efforts to neutralise their activities. Meanwhile, the military has also listed nine Northeast terrorist commanders as wanted, emphasising ongoing counter-terrorism measures.
