Fifteen persons have been killed and over 100 cattle rustled by the new armed group, Lakurawa, in Mera, Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
A prominent personality in the town, Alhaji Bashir Isah Mera (Yariman Mera), revealed this, adding that the bandits stormed the town when the locals getting set for Jumat prayer.
Mera said “On hearing this, people of the town mobilised in their hundreds and pursued them to the bush in a bid to recover the cows.
“There was exchange of fire between the people of the town and the bandits which led to the killing of 15 people and two of the lakurawas were also killed.”
He said the new group are hiding in Sokoto bush from where they launch attacks.
“Initially they didn’t kill, they only confiscate cows and asked owners to pay ‘Zakat’. That has been happening for almost two months. This is their first attack they killed 15 people in our town,” he said.
Mera said Governor Nasir Idris had phoned him twice expressing worry over the killings and ordered deployment of soldiers to the community to contain the situation.
He said the commanding officer of Dukku barracks, DSS boss, Commissioner of Police and combined security forces have been mobilised to restore normalcy to Mera town and its environs.
Also the state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Abubakar Umar Tafida and Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mera, have visited Mera to sympathise with families of the deceased.
They told the people that Governor Idris has pledged to ensure their protection against further attacks by the terror group.
The State Police spokesperson, SP Nafiu Abubakar, was yet to comments as he could not be reached on his phone at press time.
