Kebbi senators, reps decry murder of 15 constituents by Lakurawa terrorists

Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero and other National Assembly members from Kebbi State have decried the gruesome murder of 15 of their constituents in Argungu by new terror Jihadist group ‘Lakurawa’ operating in Sokoto and Kebbi states.

The terror group from the Sahelian countries of Mali and Niger is currently under military watch after nine of its leaders were declared wanted by Defence Headquarters on Thursday in Abuja.

The condolence visit was facilitated by the former Kebbi State governor (1999-2007) and former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Aliero told newsmen that the condolence visit by his fellow Kebbi State NASS members was to physically be in the state to commiserate with families of the bereaved as well as the government and the peaceful people of Kebbi State over the sad incident.

Describing the activities of the new Jihadist group in the state as bad, deplorable, and worrisome, he said it portended grave dangers to the peace and tranquility of the affected places, the state, and the entire nation.

He said that the condolence team donated N10 million to relatives of the deceased, adding that some of the lawmakers in the delegation had Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, Senator Musa Maidoki representing Kebbi South Senatorial District, Hon. Sani Tudu, Hon. Ibrahim Bello, Hon. Salisu Koko, Hon. Bello Kaoje, and Hon. Rabiu Kamba, among others.

It was learnt that the 15 persons killed by the new Jihadist group, “Lakurawa” had been buried in Kebbi State at the time of filing this report.

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Kebbi Deputy Governor, Umar Abubakar Tafida and the Emir of Argungu, Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, reportedly attended the funeral prayers of the deceased on Friday afternoon at Mera, Kebbi State.

On November 6, 2024, it was reported that a newly formed Jihadist group known as ‘Lakurawa’ had emerged, imposing taxes and levies on communities in Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria.

They were reported to have set up bases in the affected local government areas, moving from community to community and preaching against western civilisation and democratic system of government, similar to the ideology of Boko Haram terrorists.

Also last Thursday in Abuja, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, officially confirmed the existence of the new armed Jihadist group, ‘Lakurawa’ in the country’s northwestern states of Sokoto and Kebbi.

The military had noted that the development was worsening security challenges in the Northwest region and declared nine of their leaders wanted.

On Friday afternoon, the terrorists reportedly attacked Mera, in Kebbi State, and rustled a large number of cattle. They were, however, engaged by the locals, resulting in fatalities on both sides.

Police spokesperson in Kebbi State, SP Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the incident, saying, “Yes, there was a terrorist attack on Mera yesterday (Friday) resulting in 15 deaths.

“As of now, we are yet to ascertain the identity of the attackers. It’s too early to confirm if the attackers were the Lakurawa’ or not.”