By Paul Joseph
Jihadist fighters have killed dozens of residents and destroyed seven communities in fresh attacks in Kebbi State, police confirmed on Thursday.
According to the state police spokesman, Bashir Usman, members of the Lakurawa group stormed villages in the Bui district of the Arewa area at about 1:15 pm on Wednesday. A security report indicated that more than 30 villagers were killed during the assault.
Usman said residents of Mamunu, Awasaka, Tungan Tsoho, Makangara, Kanzo, Gorun Naidal and Dan Mai Ago attempted to defend their communities but suffered heavy casualties.
A resident of Kanzo recounted the chaos, saying gunfire erupted while people were in their homes. “We heard gunshots and people began running for safety. Some were hit as they tried to take cover,” the witness said, estimating that at least 35 people lost their lives.
The attackers were also reported to have rustled cattle before fleeing. Security operatives, including police, soldiers and local vigilantes, were deployed to the affected communities.
The assault occurred just days after the UNESCO-recognised Argungu fishing festival was held roughly 60 kilometres from the attacked area.
The Lakurawa group has been linked to repeated attacks across northern Kebbi and neighbouring Sokoto State, operating from forest hideouts where they raid villages, steal livestock and reportedly impose levies on residents.
Nigeria’s government previously said US air strikes on Christmas Day in Sokoto targeted Lakurawa members and allied bandit groups. Some analysts have associated the group with the Islamic State Sahel Province, active in Niger and Mali, although others question the extent of that connection.
The renewed violence adds to Nigeria’s complex security challenges, including a prolonged insurgency in the northeast, farmer-herder clashes in the north-central region, separatist tensions in the southeast and widespread kidnappings in the northwest.
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