The newly formed armed group known as Lakurawa has reportedly killed 15 people and stolen over 100 cows in Mera, a town in Kebbi State’s Augie Local Government Area. The attack, which took place as the residents were preparing for Friday’s Jumat prayer, has left the community in shock and mourning.
Alhaji Bashir Isah Mera (Yariman Mera), a prominent local figure, confirmed the attack to Daily Trust, stating that the group struck the town, stealing more than 100 cattle in the process. According to Mera, the people of Mera responded swiftly upon hearing news of the raid, organizing themselves to chase after the attackers and attempt to recover the stolen cows. However, the ensuing exchange of fire led to the tragic deaths of 15 townspeople and two members of the Lakurawa group.
“Upon hearing of the raid, hundreds of townspeople organized and pursued the group into the bush, attempting to recover the stolen cows,” Mera recounted. “There was an exchange of fire between the people of the town and the bandits, which led to the killing of 15 people, and two of the Lakurawa were also killed.”
Mera went on to explain that the Lakurawa group had been active in the region for some time, initially engaging in acts of theft without violence. “Initially, they didn’t kill, they only confiscated cows and asked owners to pay ‘Zakat’,” he said. “That has been happening for almost two months, but this is their first attack in which they killed 15 people in our town.”
Following the attack, Governor Nasir Idris expressed his concern and has made efforts to bring the situation under control. Mera revealed that the governor had called him twice, expressing worry over the killings and ordering the deployment of soldiers to the community. Additionally, the commanding officer of Dukku barracks, the DSS boss, the Commissioner of Police, and combined security forces have been mobilized to restore order in Mera town and its surrounding areas.
In a show of solidarity with the grieving community, the state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Abubakar Umar Tafida, and the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mera, visited Mera town to offer their condolences to the families of the deceased. They assured the people that the governor had pledged to take necessary steps to protect them from further attacks by the Lakurawa terror group.
At the time of this report, the Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Nafiu Abubakar, could not be reached for comment regarding the incident.