A new and dangerous terror group known as Lakurawa has emerged in Sokoto State, spreading fear across multiple local government areas.
The Sokoto State government has raised serious concerns over this armed group, which operates in five local government areas.
In a statement from the deputy governor’s office, Garba Mohammed, Director of Press, Deputy Governor Idris Mohammed Gobir sounded the alarm during a meeting with participants from the National Defence College (NDC), who were on a study tour in Sokoto.
Gobir described Lakurawa as “a faith-based group with extreme views,” noting that its members are armed with sophisticated weapons.
He highlighted that the group’s activities pose a significant threat to peace and stability in Sokoto.
“This unsettling development has emerged at a time when the state is already grappling with persistent banditry,” Gobir said.
The deputy governor assured residents that the government is fully aware of the threat posed by Lakurawa.
He emphasized that the state is working closely with federal security agencies to counter the group’s activities.
“We are collaborating with federal security forces to protect the lives and property of Sokoto residents,” he added.
The state government is determined to prevent the spread of violence and ensure the safety of its people, Gobir said.
Sokoto residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities in their communities.
The emergence of Lakurawa has added to the security concerns in Sokoto, a state already dealing with bandit attacks.
Many residents are alarmed by the presence of this armed group, which has reportedly begun to influence local areas.
The NDC delegation, led by Air Vice Marshal Titus Zuwahu Dauda, was briefed on the current security situation in the state.
Dauda explained that the National Defence College, established in 1992, prepares military and security officers for high-level responsibilities.
The NDC study tour team is expected to present both oral and written reports on their findings to the state government.
According to Dauda, the college has graduated 2,982 participants since its establishment, including officers from 30 African and Asian countries.
He added that the institution is dedicated to training officers for strategic roles in the military, police, and other security agencies.
The insights from the NDC team’s study tour are expected to help Sokoto’s security efforts against the LAKURAWAS group.
Gobir expressed hope that the tour would provide valuable strategies to confront the rising security challenges.