The new terror group described as dangerous by the defence headquarters of the Nigeria army are showing their true colour as they attacked Mera town in the Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State killing at least 15 people.
Reports by the Punch said the group attacked the Mera community Friday while the town was observing the Jumat prayers shooting at random as they attempted to steal about 100 cattle.
“Upon receiving the news, the people of the town mobilised hundreds to pursue the group into the bush to recover the animals, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the locals and the group, resulting in the deaths of fifteen townspeople and two members of the Lakurawa group,” said a community member
It was gathered that the group is based in Sokoto State from the launch the attack.
“This is the first attack involving killings in Mera. The governor expressed deep concern, calling me twice when he learned of the incident, and he quickly deployed armed soldiers with gun trucks and armoured tanks to secure the town,” said a resident of the community identified as Yarima.
The Lakurawa terror group are originally from Niger Republic and Mali, from where they were driven from their location and were welcomed by the communities in Sokoto State. Initially they helped the communities to ward off bandits’ attacks.
But they were reported to have formed an alliance with the bandits to terrorise Sokoto and Kebbi States.
They are in control of some communities from where they collect taxes, protection fees and other levies imposed by them.
Meanwhile the 15 victims of the attack have been given a mass burial. The funeral prayer was attended by Deputy Governor, Umar Tafida, Commissioner of Police who led other security chiefs, and Emir of Argungu HRH Isma’ila Mera.
