New terror group, Lakurawa, kills 15, rustles over 100 cows
A new armed group identified as Lakurawa carried out a deadly attack on Mera town in the Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State, claiming the lives of 15 residents and rustling over 100 cows. The attack occurred on Friday, while residents were preparing for Jumat prayers.
Alhaji Bashir Isah Mera, the Yariman Mera, confirmed the tragic incident to newsmen, explaining that the armed group stormed the town, seizing livestock and causing chaos. In response, local residents quickly mobilised and pursued the assailants deep into the bush, resulting in a heavy exchange of gunfire. According to Mera, 15 people from Mera lost their lives during the encounter, and two Lakurawa members were killed.
The Lakurawa group, believed to be operating from hideouts within the Sokoto forests, has reportedly been targeting communities for nearly two months. Initially, their actions were limited to confiscating cows and demanding ‘Zakat’ from the owners, but this recent attack is their first known instance of mass killings in the area.
Mera disclosed that Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris reached out to him twice, expressing deep concern over the escalating violence. The governor has since directed the immediate deployment of soldiers and other security personnel to the community to prevent further bloodshed. The commanding officer of Dukku barracks, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Kebbi State Police Commissioner have been mobilised to restore calm in Mera town and its surroundings.
Additionally, the state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Abubakar Umar Tafida, and the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mera, visited the bereaved families in Mera town. They offered condolences and assured residents of the government’s commitment to ensuring their safety against future attacks by the Lakurawa group.
Attempts to reach SP Nafiu Abubakar, the Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Police Command, for further comments, were unsuccessful as of the time of this report.
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