In a chilling attack that has sent shockwaves across Kebbi State, a group of armed militants believed to be members of the notorious Lakurawa terrorist faction stormed Natsini village in the early hours of Thursday. The terrorists, estimated to number over 50, raided a police checkpoint before launching a violent attack that left two police officers dead and over 200 cows rustled from a local ranch.
The attack occurred around 11 p.m. on the Augie/Kangiwa road in Argungu Local Government Area. Witnesses report that the heavily armed assailants arrived on motorcycles, overwhelming the policemen stationed at the checkpoint with ease. After executing the attack, the terrorists moved swiftly to raid a nearby cattle ranch, where they seized a large herd of cows.
Abubakar Augie, a local resident, described the horrifying scenes. “The Lakurawa terrorists came in on motorcycles, and there were more than 50 of them. They overpowered the policemen at the checkpoint, who were few in number. After killing the officers, they went straight to my ranch, where they took more than 200 cows,” he said.
The rustled cattle were reportedly owned by Lawali Black, a prominent civil servant in the region. The theft of such a large number of cows has sent ripples of fear throughout the community, as many locals rely on cattle farming for their livelihoods.
Local Authorities React to Attack
Local government officials have vowed to take immediate action to recover the stolen livestock and apprehend the terrorists behind the attack. Aliyu Gulma, the Chairman of Argungu Local Government, confirmed the incident and assured the public that a security meeting was already underway. “We are working closely with the state government and security agencies to recover the cows and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he said.
The police also responded quickly to the attack, with a joint operation launched by law enforcement and other security agencies. “It is true that two of our men died during an encounter with the attackers,” confirmed SP Nafiu Abubakar, the Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Police Command. “We have intensified our efforts to track down the terrorists and recover the stolen cows.”
In response to the severity of the situation, the Commissioner of Police for Kebbi State, Bello M. Sani, conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the attack site. He was accompanied by local traditional rulers, including the Emir of Argungu, to demonstrate a unified front in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
“The security forces are committed to bringing those responsible for this barbaric act to justice,” SP Abubakar added. “We will not relent in our efforts to protect the lives and property of the people of Kebbi State.”
Growing Threat of Lakurawa Terrorists
The Lakurawa group has been linked to a series of violent incidents in the region, including kidnappings, cattle rustling, and attacks on security personnel. The group, which operates primarily in the northern part of Nigeria, has become a significant threat to both civilians and security forces.
The terrorists are believed to be part of a larger network that has been wreaking havoc across the country, often targeting remote villages and rural areas where law enforcement presence is limited. Over the past few years, the group has gained notoriety for its ruthless tactics, including ambushing police and military patrols, stealing livestock, and engaging in brutal acts of violence against innocent civilians.
The attack on Natsini village is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader pattern of escalating violence in Kebbi State. The local population has been living in fear, with many residents expressing concerns over the lack of adequate security to protect them from these increasingly frequent attacks.
A Ripple Effect on the Local Economy
The raid’s impact is being felt beyond the immediate loss of life and livestock. For many in Kebbi, cattle farming is a vital source of income and sustenance. The theft of over 200 cows represents a devastating blow to local farmers, whose livelihoods are now in jeopardy.
“The loss of such a large number of cows is not just a personal tragedy for the victims; it has serious implications for the entire community,” said one local resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “These cows were part of the local economy. Their loss will have a ripple effect, affecting businesses and food supply chains.”
In a region where agriculture is the backbone of the economy, the theft of livestock has far-reaching consequences, contributing to food insecurity and economic instability. Many fear that the continued rise of terrorism in the region will only exacerbate the already fragile situation.
As the search for the terrorists continues, security forces have been placed on high alert, with additional patrols deployed to the affected areas. However, the challenge of combating a well-coordinated and mobile enemy remains a major hurdle.
“The terrorists are well-organized and highly mobile, making them difficult to track and apprehend,” SP Abubakar noted. “However, we remain resolute in our mission to restore peace to Kebbi State.”
