The town of Mera in Kebbi State’s Augie Local Government Area has been struck by violence with the emergence of a new armed group known as Lakurawa.
In a recent attack, the group reportedly killed 15 people and stole more than 100 cows, escalating tensions in the once-peaceful community.
The attack occurred as residents were preparing for Friday’s Jumat prayer, a time when many would be in a state of reverence, not expecting a brutal assault.
Alhaji Bashir Isah Mera, a prominent figure in the town and known locally as the Yariman Mera, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust.
He detailed how the attack unfolded, explaining that the armed group seized over 100 cattle, further compounding the community’s grief and financial losses.
“Upon hearing of the raid, hundreds of townspeople organized and pursued the group into the bush, attempting to recover the stolen cows,” Alhaji Bashir narrated.
In a bid to defend their town and reclaim their livestock, the residents of Mera faced off with the armed bandits, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
During this encounter, 15 people from the town tragically lost their lives, while two members of the Lakurawa group were also killed in the crossfire.
This marks a tragic escalation of violence in the region, highlighting the vulnerability of local communities facing attacks from armed groups.
Residents of Mera are not alone in their grief, as communities across Nigeria's northern regions continue to face threats from bandits and insurgent groups.
Adding to the community’s distress, Alhaji Bashir further revealed that the Lakurawas had been hiding in the forests of Sokoto, from where they coordinated and launched their attacks.
He shared that, initially, the group refrained from killing but instead demanded “Zakat” (a form of almsgiving or tax) from livestock owners, a tactic they had employed over the past two months.
This recent attack, however, marked their first deadly assault on Mera, setting a concerning precedent for future incidents.
The attack has garnered the attention of Kebbi State’s leadership, with Governor Nasir Idris reaching out personally to Alhaji Bashir to express his concern.
According to Alhaji Bashir, the governor called him twice, voicing distress over the loss of lives and directing immediate action to address the violence.
In response, the governor ordered the deployment of soldiers to Mera to help curb the activities of the Lakurawa group and provide a measure of security to the distressed community.
Efforts to contain the situation have been further supported by the commanding officer of Dukku barracks, the Director of State Security Service (DSS), and the Commissioner of Police, along with combined security forces, all working together to restore peace in the affected area.
The state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Abubakar Umar Tafida, and the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mera, have also visited Mera town.
Their visit was aimed at comforting the bereaved families and demonstrating solidarity with the residents who are now living under the shadow of fear.
During their visit, they conveyed the governor’s commitment to safeguarding the people against further attacks by the Lakurawa group.
The Emir and Deputy Governor assured the residents that security reinforcements would be made to prevent a recurrence of such attacks.
As communities across Kebbi and nearby states continue to grapple with the impact of insecurity, there is an urgent call for comprehensive solutions.
The situation in Mera underscores the need for effective government action and community-level security to address these challenges.
The presence of groups like Lakurawa adds a complex layer to the security landscape, as their demands for “Zakat” and subsequent violence reflect a disturbing trend in which armed groups seek to impose their authority on vulnerable communities.
Efforts to reach the Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Nafiu Abubakar, for comments were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
However, the commitment of state security agencies and local authorities to address the issue brings a glimmer of hope to the people of Mera.
The tragic events in Mera serve as a reminder of the urgent need for coordinated security measures to protect rural communities from similar attacks.
As security forces work to dismantle the operations of the Lakurawa group, residents hope for a return to peace and stability in their town.
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