Crime

Gunmen on Reprisal Mission Storm Mosque, Open Fire on Worshippers, Kill 15

Fifteen people have been killed in a violent reprisal attack by suspected members of the Lakurawa group on Kwalajiya village in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The assault, which occurred around 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, followed the reported killing of three members of the group, including a suspected leader, during an earlier failed attack on the community.

According to local sources, the gunmen invaded the village while residents were observing afternoon prayers, opening fire indiscriminately on worshippers and farmers alike. One resident, who requested anonymity, said the attackers came in large numbers and unleashed chaos on the village. The chairman of the local government and security officials were reportedly present the following day to attend the burial of the victims.

Witnesses suggest the attack may have been prompted not only by the deaths of the group’s members but also by growing community resistance to their influence. A local leader had recently warned residents against allowing their daughters to marry Lakurawa members—a move believed to have angered the group.

In addition to the killings, the assailants reportedly torched homes, destroyed food supplies, and set farmlands ablaze. They also targeted the community’s telecommunications mast, cutting off mobile network access. Although women were reportedly spared, the attackers left behind devastation that forced many residents to flee to nearby towns such as Gidan Madi for safety.

One resident, now taking refuge in the city, described the aftermath as catastrophic. “They destroyed everything—food, houses, and the network mast. We are begging the government to restore security and connectivity so we can report these threats in time,” she said.

The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the attack but said the exact casualty figure was still being verified. A local government official, however, confirmed that 15 people were killed and seven others were hospitalized with gunshot wounds.

This latest attack is part of a disturbing trend of escalating violence attributed to the Lakurawa group in the region. Just last week, eight people were killed in a raid on Sabiyo community, while another attack on Baiji village was repelled by military forces. There have also been reports of attempted invasions, livestock theft, and the use of improvised explosive devices.

In one recent incident, seven people—including a young girl—were killed by an IED as they returned from Sallah festivities in Gwabro village. In May, the same group was blamed for an ambush that left 13 seasonal hunters dead in Hurumi forest.

Security experts have expressed concern about the worsening situation. Retired Squadron Leader Aminu Bala Sokoto urged the state government to deploy well-armed community guards to support the overstretched military and police forces. He emphasized the importance of air support in deterring the attackers, who he said are known to fear aerial strikes.

Responding to the security concerns, Special Adviser on Security to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, retired Colonel Ahmed Usman, said the state government is working closely with military and police authorities to address the growing threat.