Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero representing Kebbi Central Senatorial District, senators and House of Representatives members are in Argungu, Kebbi State in swift response to the gruesome murder of 15 persons a new terror Jihadist group known as ‘Lakurawa’ operating in Sokoto and Kebbi states.
The group from the Sahelian countries of Mali and Niger is currently under military surveillance after nine of its leaders were declared wanted by Defence Headquarters on Thursday in Abuja.
This newspaper gathered that the condolence visit comprising Kebbi State members of the National Assembly was facilitated by the former Kebbi State governor (1999-2007) and former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Adamu Aliero alongside a former Senate Majority Leader, Senator (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar Abdullahi, who still represents Kebbi North Senatorial District at the National Assembly after switching from All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the last elections.
Senator Adamu Aliero told this newspaper on phone shortly after alighting from their flight in Sokoto city 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 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.
‘’The activities of this new terror group in our state, and against our peaceful people is worrisome and will not be tolerated. It is regrettable and totally unacceptable. We learnt they had been fighting the military in Niger Republic. Somehow they’ve now infiltrated into Sokoto and Kebbi, unleashing mayhem on these two states, such as these fresh murders.
‘’This condolence visit by national legislators is our first initial response to the dastardly activities of this new group. The safety of our people is paramount because their lives matter. And when we get back to Abuja from here, we shall make some crucial contacts, visit some authorities and bring necessary official attention to this ugly development to see how the trend can be tamed immediately especially now that it is still at infancy’’, Aliero said.
‘’We are here to show concern to our affected people in Argungu Emirate. That’s why virtually all of us-elected federal law makers from Kebbi State across political party lines- are here to show sympathy to our people in their distress and bereavement. We are showing them that as their elected representatives, we will always stand by them. It is for them that we are at the National Assembly’’, he said.
He listed some of the law makers in the delegation to include 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.
The state 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 locally 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 Jihadists 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 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 terrorists 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,” he added.
