A new armed terror group known as Lakurawa has wreaked havoc in Kebbi State, attacking the town of Mera in the Augie Local Government Area on Friday.
The attack, which occurred as residents were preparing for Jumaat prayers, resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people.
“Upon receiving the news, the people of the town mobilised hundreds to pursue the group into the bush to recover the animals, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the locals and the group, resulting in the deaths of fifteen townspeople and two members of the Lakurawa group.”
Another resident identified simply as Yarima, added that the group is based in Sokoto, from where it coordinates its attacks.
He explained that initially, “They did not kill anyone but only confiscated cattle, demanding Zakat, the obligatory Muslim charity from wealth meeting the threshold. This had been happening for almost two months.
“This is the first attack involving killings in Mera. The governor expressed deep concern, calling me twice when he learned of the incident, and he quickly deployed armed soldiers with gun trucks and armoured tanks to secure the town.”
“The commanding officer of Dukku barracks, the DSS director, the Commissioner of Police, and combined security forces have since mobilised to the scene and restored calm,” Yarima reported.
The Deputy Governor of Kebbi State and the Emir of Argungu have visited the town to offer condolences to the bereaved families and assure the community of their safety.
