Kehinde Fajobi
A newly emerged terror group, known as Lakurawa, launched a deadly attack on Mera town in Kebbi State’s Augie Local Government Area on Friday, killing at least 15 residents.
The attack, which occurred as locals prepared for Jumaat prayers, saw the armed group steal over 100 cattle.
Local resident Alhaji Bashir Mera confirmed the attack, stating, “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 as Yarima, said the group operates out of Sokoto and initially only demanded cattle as Zakat, the obligatory Muslim charity.
“This is the first attack involving killings in Mera,” Yarima said, adding that the group had been confiscating cattle for nearly two months without violence.
Yarima noted that Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris responded quickly, deploying armed soldiers with gun trucks and armoured tanks.
“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,” he reported.
The Deputy Governor of Kebbi State and the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mera, visited Mera town to offer condolences and reassure residents.
The deputy governor expressed the governor’s commitment to securing the town and protecting the people from further attacks.
Efforts to reach Kebbi State Police Command spokesperson SP Nafiu Abubakar were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
The Nigerian Army recently confirmed that it is actively monitoring this new terror group, believed to be affiliated with jihadi factions in Mali and Niger.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, said, “The emergence of this group is linked to political instability in Mali and Niger, which has facilitated the spread of extremist elements into Nigeria.”
The military is reportedly developing counter-strategies to address the threat.