Lakurawa kills 8 in Sokoto community
Terrorists suspected to be members of the Lakurawa terrorist group have killed eight people in a renewed attack in the Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Sources said the attack occurred around 4pm on Wednesday at Sabiyo village, located about one kilometre from Tangaza town.
The assailants also reportedly raided Baiji village earlier in the day, rustling several livestock before being repelled by military forces.
Confirming the incident, Alhaji Ghazzali Rakah, Special Adviser on Security to the Chairman of Tangaza LGA, said the terrorists first targeted Baiji but were repelled by soldiers.
He said they later regrouped and launched an assault on Sabiyo village, opening fire on residents.
READ ALSO: Lakurawa terrorists gun down Customs officers, 1 civilian
“They shot seven people; six died on the spot, while one with a gunshot wound to the neck is receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital in Sokoto,” Rakah said.
He added that due to the late hour of the attack, the military was unable to pursue the attackers.
“They attempted to invade Sanyinna village too but withdrew upon spotting military presence.
“Our security situation is dire. These attackers operate at will. The government must act decisively,” he said.
The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the incident.
The command’s spokesman, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said eight people were killed during the attack.
The latest assault is part of an escalating campaign of terror attributed to the Lakurawa group, which has repeatedly targeted rural communities across Tangaza LGA.
READ ALSO: FG proscribes Lakurawa sect as terror group
Two weeks ago, an improvised explosive device (IED) killed seven people, including a woman, in an incident also linked to the group.
The victims, who were returning from a Sallah celebration in Gwabro village, struck the device while resting under a tree reportedly used by troops during patrols.
Six died instantly, while one of the two injured girls succumbed the following day.
The same group is believed to be responsible for the deadly ambush in May that claimed the lives of 13 hunters in Hurumi forest, Talewa ward.
Armed with Dane guns and accompanied by dogs, the hunters unknowingly ventured into a terrorist enclave.
Local sources said five hunters from Kangiye, Chancha, Rantijadi, Gidan Kaji, Gandaba Yamma, and Gandaba Gabas lost their lives.
“We have recovered three bodies so far. Ten are still missing. Our efforts are being hampered by a shortage of security personnel and vehicles,” said Rakah, who is coordinating the search with local vigilantes and security operatives.
READ ALSO: Bandits attack Sokoto villages, killing 8, injure 1
The hunters were not engaged in counter-insurgency but were on a traditional expedition despite warnings about security threats. “They knew the risks but went ahead. This was their destiny,” Rakah said.
Security officials have also raised concerns about the increasing use of landmines and IEDs by the Lakurawa terrorist group.
In April, two fishermen and a farmer were killed in an ambush at Sanyinna village.
In March, the terrorists raided Baidi village, killing one person, injuring four-including two soldiers-and stealing cattle and camels in a violent encounter with security forces.
READ ALSO: Bandits unleash terror in Sokoto villages, kill 11 people
Sokoto State Government officials said they are taking the threat seriously.
Retired Colonel Ahmed Usman, Special Adviser on Security to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, said the administration is working closely with military and police forces.
“The governor treats security as a top priority. He responds swiftly whenever contacted. But we need the cooperation of the people. Communities must stop shielding terrorists,” Usman said.
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