Lakurawas Threat: Kebbi Govt Seeks NSA, Chief Of Defence Staff’s Help

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Sequel to last Friday, November 8, 2024 deadly attack in Mera community, Augie Local Council by banditry elements which claimed the lives of 15 locals, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has sent a save-our -soul  message to the National Security Adviser, NSA, and the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS .

This is even as the State authorities have  given the families of the victims of the Mera massacre, the sum of N50 million

The Source reports that the nascent terrorist group, Lakurawas, had, on Friday,  attacked residents of Mera in Argungu Emirate Council, and carted away about 100 cows and felling 15 locals who had mounted resistance to the invasion.

The Military High Command, had earlier, last week admitted the presence of a new terrorist gang that has infiltrated parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states from the troubled neighbouring West African Countries of Mali  and Niger Republic.

Defence Spokesperson Edward Buba ,a Major General, noted that the group capitalized on the quiet moment in the bilateral relationships between Nigeria and Niger Republic occasioned by the July 26, 2023, military coup in the latter to sneak into the country.

The Kebbi delegation comprising Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu ,Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah ,Suleiman Muhammad Argungu  the Call Progressive Congress, APC National Organizing Secretary, and Nasiru Ibrahim Junju, are to impress it on the NSA, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and CDS General Christopher Musa, on the urgent need to respond swiftly to the new security threat posed by the Lakurawas.

A statement issued by the Governor’s Media Aide, Comrade Nasir Kauran Gwandu , noted that the request for urgent military intervention has become imperative in the face of the large numbers of the group that  have infiltrated the State and the neighbouring Sokoto.

According to the statement, unless there is an urgent military intervention, the entire Northern part of Kebbi state will completely fall into the hands of the bandits.

The Governor expressed concern that the troops on the ground are already overstretched, and may need immediate support both in equipment and personnel to handle the new threat.

Governor Idris affirmed the readiness of the State Government to provide all needed  logistical and other support  to frontally stop the group from overrunning Argungu Emirate of the State.

In addition to the N50 million from the State Government, victims of the attack have also been given N30 million by Minister Bagudu.