Lakurawa terrorists kill 13, besiege Nigerian and Niger Republic communities
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Lakurawa terrorists have attacked Birnin Dede, Arewa Council in Kebbi killing 13 people in a reprisal operation over the killing of their leader Maigemu by security forces last Thursday.
The Lakurawa group comprises people from various tribes, including Hausa, Fulani, Toureq, Barebari, and has been operating in Kebbi and environs for some time.
Musa Gado, a resident of Kebbi, told Daily Trust that the terrorists set eight villages in the area on fire during the attack, adding: “The attackers spared only one village that was guarded by soldiers. We seek protection from Allah against this dreaded group.”
Another local, Suleiman Abubakar, who said he lost a brother in the attack, disclosed that the terrorists invaded their community at night, after the magrib prayer.
“It was a terrible situation for us. They killed many of our people and burnt some of them with their houses. No one was spared, women and children were attacked,” he lamented.
Other villages torched by the assailants include Birni Garin Nagoro, Yar Goru, Dan Marke, and Tambo.
Another source narrated how “the terrorists stormed the villages around 8.48pm on March 9, 2025, setting houses ablaze and shooting indiscriminately.
“Among the deceased was Garba Maigari, 50, while the identities of the other victims remain unknown.
“Several injured victims were taken to Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, for treatment.”
Arewa Council Chairman Sani Aliyu confirmed the attack, saying security personnel have been drafted to the affected communities while the government is still assessing the situation.
A combined security force, supported by Kebbi Governor Nasir Idris, recently killed Maigemu in a gun battle at Kuncin-baba in the state.
The terrorists had in February attacked Gulma community in Argungu Council, killing one person and injuring six others.
The gunmen were also said to have killed two Immigration officers and one civilian at Kangiwa border, Kangiwa Council in January.
Lakurawa attacks Nigerian and Niger Republic communities
Police disclosed that suspected large numbers of Lakurawa members with sophisticated weapons invaded Birnin Debi, Dogon Daji, Danmarke, Yar Goru, Tambo, Garin Nagoro and Garin Rugga communities, all in Arewa Council in Kebbi and neighbouring Republic of Niger, and killed 11 people while two others sustained gunshot wounds.
A statement issued by Kebbi Police Command Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Abubakar, said the terrorists also set ablaze some houses at the affected villages.
The statement disclosed that state Police Commissioner Bello Sani has reviewed the security architecture of the area and deployed additional tactical teams ordered to decisively deal with the terrorists and chase them out of the area.
Army announces elimination of terrorists and their leaders
The General Officer Commanding, 8 Division of the Nigeria Army, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, announced recently that the war against banditry and terrorism had been progressively and steadily won.
Ajose, the Commander, Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, made the announcement at the 2024 West African Social Activities (WASA), organised by the army at Giginya Barracks, Sokoto.
“The war against banditry and terrorists across the area of responsibility has been progressively and steadily won by our troops, as several bandit leaders and their supporters have been eliminated,” he declared.
Read also:
JAMB announces 2,03m registered for 2025 UTME, begins sale of DE forms
