Lakurawa Sect :Kebbi Government Takes Proactive Action on Them

The Kebbi State Government has responded to the threat posed by an emerging Islamic sect, known as the Lakurawa, by dispatching a high-powered delegation to meet with Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. The delegation, led by Senator Atiku Bagudu, Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, sought to highlight the security crisis facing Kebbi and the urgent need for military intervention.

According to Alhaji Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris, the delegation included prominent figures such as Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, the APC National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Suleiman Argungu, and a former Kebbi State Attorney-General, Alhaji Nasiru Junju. During the meeting, Bagudu expressed gratitude for previous military support but stressed the necessity of a heightened and sustained military response to counter the Lakurawa sect’s activities, which have raised security concerns not only within Kebbi but across Nigeria.

Military Assurances and Readiness for Intervention

In response to the Kebbi delegation’s appeal, General Musa assured them of the military’s commitment to intervening decisively against the Lakurawa sect. According to Musa, the military is fully prepared to collaborate with other security agencies to apprehend the members of this group and curb their influence over affected communities.

The Chief of Defence Staff commended Kebbi State’s proactive stance and promised a strategic response that would restore peace and stability to areas affected by the group’s incursions. Governor Nasir Idris has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian military and other security agencies, pledging continuous cooperation to safeguard the lives and properties of Kebbi’s residents.

Acting Chief of Army Staff Calls for Community Support in Sokoto

On a related note, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, made a public appeal to communities in Sokoto State to collaborate with the Nigerian Army in combating threats posed by groups like the Lakurawa. During his operational tour in Gongono Masallachi, Tangaza Local Government Area, Oluyede emphasized the importance of community engagement, urging residents to report any suspicious activities to nearby soldiers.

Oluyede’s appeal underscored the belief that community support is instrumental in the army’s success in securing Nigeria’s borders. He reassured local communities that the Nigerian Army is dedicated to their safety, encouraging residents to stay vigilant and work with the army to identify potential threats, which would enable a stronger and more unified response to security challenges.

Escalating Threat of the Lakurawa Sect in Northwestern Nigeria

The Lakurawa sect, a relatively new yet increasingly concerning group, has been intermittently active across northwestern Nigeria, particularly within Kebbi and Sokoto states. Predominantly composed of foreigners, the group is reported to operate in various local languages, including Arabic, Hausa, Fulfulde, and Zabarmanci. This language diversity has raised suspicions regarding the group’s origins and intentions.

Historically, previous government efforts had temporarily driven the Lakurawa out of regions like Tangaza, Gudu, and Gwadabawa, but the sect has reportedly resurfaced in recent months. Witnesses claim the group, armed with advanced weaponry, has clashed with local security forces, asserting influence over community decisions. Though the group’s ultimate goals remain unclear, its reappearance has reignited concerns, prompting both state and federal authorities to prioritize a response to prevent further instability.

Public Reaction to Lakurawa Threat Reflects Heightened Concerns

The emergence of Lakurawa has sparked a wave of reactions from Nigerians, with many expressing their frustration and fear regarding the new group’s activities. Social media has become a platform for citizens to voice their grievances, with some calling for stringent action against those involved. Adnan Abdullah, a Twitter user, condemned the group, calling for divine retribution on the terrorists and their sponsors for “gruesome killings and kidnappings of innocent people.”

Others have raised concerns about associating the group with Islam, urging the public to separate the religion from the actions of extremists. Twitter user Akintola stressed that such groups do not represent Islamic values, stating, “Stop associating Islam with these terrorists; they know nothing about Islam. They may claim to be Muslims, but what they are practicing is not Islam.” The public’s vocal reactions underscore the deep-rooted fear and urgency for government intervention to prevent further spread of terror in the region.