Kehinde Fajobi
The Sokoto State Police Command has verified the existence of an armed Islamic group called “Lakurawas,” reported to be active across several local government areas in the state.
ASP Ahmed Rufai, spokesperson for the command, confirmed on Wednesday that the group has established a presence in areas such as Gudu, Tangaza, Binji, and Illela.
He explained that the group, wielding sophisticated weapons, has been attempting to impose its religious beliefs on local residents.
“They have been in these areas for some years now, heavily armed, and are reportedly attempting to enforce their own religious practices on the people,” Rufai stated.
He added that the group claims to oppose criminal activities in these regions and has even targeted suspected bandits.
Concerns about the Lakurawas group were previously raised by Sokoto State Deputy Governor Idris Gobir, who highlighted the group’s presence while addressing a delegation from the National Defence College in Abuja, currently on a study tour in the state.
Gobir noted that the group’s actions, alongside their use of advanced weaponry, have heightened security concerns across five local government areas.
“This troubling development comes at a time when the state is already grappling with banditry,” Gobir remarked.
The deputy governor assured that the state government is working closely with federal security agencies to safeguard the lives and property of Sokoto residents.
He expressed hope that insights from the Defence College study tour would provide effective strategies for restoring peace in the affected areas.
Air Vice Marshal Titus Zuwahu Dauda, leading the Defence College delegation, explained the institution’s mission to train high-level officers in addressing national security threats.
Since its founding in 1992, the college has graduated nearly 3,000 participants, including officers from 30 countries.
The emergence of the Lakurawas group adds to Sokoto’s security challenges, with local authorities intensifying efforts to stabilise the affected communities and protect residents.