A new terror group, known as Lakurawa, carried out a deadly assault in Mera town, located in the Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State, leaving at least 15 people dead.
The attack occurred on Friday afternoon, just as residents were preparing for their Jumaat prayers.
According to local sources, including Alhaji Bashir Mera, the militants, suspected to be based in Sokoto, targeted the town’s livestock, stealing over 100 cattle before engaging in an armed confrontation with locals.
In the chaos that ensued, both civilians and militants exchanged gunfire, leading to the deaths of 15 townspeople and two members of the Lakurawa group.
Initially, the group had only engaged in cattle theft and had not resorted to violence. For nearly two months, the militants had been raiding villages in the area, taking livestock and demanding “Zakat” (Muslim charity) from wealthier residents.
However, Friday’s attack marked the first time the group used deadly force.
“After the attack, the people of Mera quickly mobilized to pursue the assailants into the bush in an attempt to recover the stolen cattle,” said Yarima, a local resident.
“What followed was an exchange of gunfire that resulted in casualties on both sides.”
Local authorities, including the Kebbi State governor, expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence. Governor Atiku Bagudu swiftly deployed military personnel, including soldiers in armored vehicles, to the area to restore order.
The town was later visited by the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Samaila Mera, and the Emir of Argungu, who offered condolences to the families of the deceased and reassured the people of increased security efforts.
As the violence unfolded, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies confirmed they are closely monitoring the growing threat posed by the Lakurawa group, which is believed to have links to jihadi factions operating in neighboring Mali and Niger. The military has indicated that the instability in these countries has facilitated the spread of extremist groups into Nigeria’s northwest region.
In a statement, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, noted that troops are intensifying efforts to track and dismantle the new terror group. “The military is actively developing counter-strategies to combat the growing presence of such groups in the region,” he said.
This latest attack underscores the increasing security challenges facing Nigeria’s northwest, as new militant factions like Lakurawa gain traction, raising fears of further violence and instability in the region.
