A newly emerged terror group known as Lakurawa attacked Mera town in the Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State on Friday, leaving at least fifteen residents dead and seizing over a hundred cattle. The attack unfolded as townspeople were preparing for Friday Jumaat prayers.
Alhaji Bashir Mera, a local source, reported that upon receiving news of the cattle theft, community members mobilized in pursuit of the attackers, leading to a deadly exchange of gunfire that claimed the lives of fifteen townspeople and two members of Lakurawa.
Another resident, Yarima, disclosed that the group, reportedly based in Sokoto, initially refrained from violence, demanding cattle as Zakat (the obligatory Muslim charity). However, Friday’s deadly encounter marked their first violent attack on Mera.
“The governor expressed deep concern, calling me twice and deploying soldiers with armed vehicles to secure the town,” Yarima stated, adding that security forces, including the commanding officer from Dukku barracks, the DSS director, and the Commissioner of Police, have since restored calm.
Kebbi State’s Deputy Governor and the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mera, visited Mera town to offer condolences to the bereaved families and reassure the community of increased security measures.
Efforts to reach Kebbi State Police Command spokesperson SP Nafiu Abubakar were unsuccessful.
The Nigerian military recently confirmed that Lakurawa is part of a broader terror threat in northwestern Nigeria, with ties to extremist factions in Mali and Niger. Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that the group’s emergence is partly due to the political instability in these neighboring countries. The military is actively monitoring and developing countermeasures to address the escalating security concerns in the region.
