A sense of fear gripped Mera town in Kebbi State’s Augie Local Government Area after a brutal assault by a newly emerged terrorist group, known as Lakurawa, left at least 15 residents dead.
The attack, which occurred just before Jumuat prayers, marks the group’s first mass killing, as they typically limited their operations to cattle theft and demands for “Zakat” from locals.
Witnesses say the Lakurawa militants stormed Mera and seized over 100 cattle, triggering a desperate chase by local residents into nearby bushland.
This pursuit resulted in a fierce gun battle, in which 15 villagers and two militants were killed. Alhaji Bashir Isah Mera (Yariman Mera), a prominent community leader, confirmed the fatalities, noting that the group, thought to be hiding in Sokoto, had increasingly escalated its violent tactics.
Responding swiftly to the siege, Kebbi State Governor deployed soldiers equipped with gun trucks and armored vehicles. High-ranking officials, including the Commanding Officer of Dukku Barracks, state security services, and the police, mobilized forces to secure the town, and both the state’s Deputy Governor and the Emir of Argungu visited to console affected families.
In a separate offensive against terror in the Lake Chad region, the Nigerian Air Force’s Operation Hadin Kai reported eliminating 70 ISWAP fighters in targeted airstrikes.
The strikes reportedly dismantled insurgent camps in Borno State’s Marte Local Government Area, dealing a blow to ISWAP factions under the command of Usman Russia.
Meanwhile, Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda disclosed that intensified anti-banditry operations have led some bandit leaders to seek truce negotiations with his administration.
As his community watch corps continues its battle against insecurity, Radda emphasized his government’s commitment to reclaiming peace for terror-stricken communities.