At least 34 people have been reportedly killed following coordinated attacks by suspected Lakurawa terrorists in several communities in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The attacks, which took place on Wednesday, began in the early hours of the morning and continued into the afternoon. Local sources said the gunmen moved from one village to another, attacking residents and leaving destruction in their wake. The incident has been described as one of the deadliest single-day attacks recorded in the area in recent months.
Mamunu community was said to be the worst hit, with 16 people killed during the raid. In Awashaka, five young men reportedly lost their lives, while Masama recorded three deaths. Other affected communities include Gorin Dena, Kamzo, Dan Mai Rago, Tungar Bature and Tungar Tsoho, each of which lost two residents in the attacks.
Witnesses said the attackers appeared to be well-organised. They were said to have moved quickly between the settlements, carrying out the assaults in a coordinated manner. Many residents were caught off guard as the gunmen stormed their communities.
By evening, fear had spread across nearby areas, especially within the wider Kangiwa axis. Families were seen fleeing their homes to seek safety in neighbouring towns. Some residents reportedly spent the night in nearby bushes and farmlands, afraid that the attackers might return.
A resident of one of the affected communities, who asked not to be named for security reasons, described the incident as terrifying. He said many families have been left grieving and struggling to cope with the sudden loss of loved ones. According to him, the community has never experienced such a high number of deaths in a single day.
Arewa Local Government Area is located in Kebbi North Senatorial District, a region that has faced growing security challenges in recent years. Kebbi State, which shares borders with Niger Republic and Benin Republic, has long been considered one of the relatively peaceful states in the North-West. However, in the past few years, armed groups have begun to operate in some parts of the state.
The Lakurawa group, which has been linked to several violent incidents in parts of Kebbi and neighbouring areas, is believed to be responsible for the latest attacks. Security experts say the group operates across border communities, taking advantage of difficult terrain and limited security presence in remote villages.
In recent times, residents of Kebbi North have raised concerns over repeated attacks on farming communities. Many villagers depend on farming and livestock rearing for their livelihood. Frequent violence has forced some farmers to abandon their farmlands, leading to fears of food shortages and economic hardship.
Community leaders have repeatedly called on security agencies to strengthen their presence in rural areas. They have also appealed for improved intelligence gathering and quicker response times whenever attacks occur.
The latest incident has again brought attention to the security situation in the North-West region of Nigeria. In states such as Zamfara State, Sokoto State and Katsina State, communities have faced similar challenges from armed groups often described as bandits or terrorists. These groups have carried out kidnappings, killings and cattle rustling, causing displacement and hardship for thousands of residents.
Although Kebbi has not experienced violence on the same scale as some of its neighbours, security observers warn that recent attacks may signal a worrying trend. They say urgent action is needed to prevent further loss of lives.
Residents in the affected communities are now calling for immediate support from both the state and federal governments. Many families have lost breadwinners, leaving widows and children in difficult situations. There are also concerns about possible humanitarian needs, including shelter and medical care for those injured or displaced.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies were yet to release an official statement on the incident. However, sources said security personnel have been deployed to the affected areas to prevent further attacks and restore calm.
The killings have left many in shock. Religious and community leaders are urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies. They also stressed the need for unity among communities in the face of the security challenges.
For now, families in Mamunu, Awashaka, Masama and other affected villages are mourning their dead. The sound of gunfire may have stopped, but fear remains in the air. Many residents say they are unsure of what the coming days will bring.
