In what seems to be an act of revenge after the death of their leader, Maigemu, at the hands of a combined security force in Kebbi, suspected Lakurawa terrorists launched a brutal attack on Birnin Dede village on Sunday, claiming the lives of 13 people.
Sources reveal that the assailants also set fire to at least eight surrounding villages near Birnin Dede, all located within the Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The attack is believed to be in direct retaliation for the killing of the Lakurawa leader by security forces, with reports noting that the attackers spared only one village, which was under Army protection.
A local resident, speaking by phone, expressed fear and sought divine protection from the violent group, “We seek protection from Allah against this dreaded group.”
The Chairman of Arewa Local Government, Sani Aliyu, confirmed the deadly assault to Channels Television.
This attack comes in the wake of security forces’ successful operation, with the backing of Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, that led to the killing of Maigemu, the notorious leader of the Lakurawa militants, in their ongoing efforts to curb the region’s rising violence.
Despite repeated attempts, the spokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Nafiu Abubakar, did not respond to calls or messages for further information on the incident.