…Now collects zakat levy
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The precarious security situation in Nigeria has deteriorated following the emergence of a new terror group in the North-West.
The group known as Lakurawa, moves in groups of 10 to 15 Motorcycles, and is dangerously armed.
Lakurawas, also known as Mujahidin, has gained significant control in five local government areas of Sokoto State, collecting zakat and other levies from communities, sources have revealed.
The affected local governments are Tangaza, Gada, Illela, Silame, and Binji. The heavily armed group communicates in multiple languages, including Hausa, Fulani, Tuareg, Kanuri, Tuba, and English.
According to residents, the group arrives in large numbers on motorcycles, leaves some members behind to collect taxes, and coerces residents to harvest crops and provide foodstuff. Those who refuse to pay face confiscation of their animals.
“We know they are coming because they arrive in large numbers, often on 10 to 15 motorcycles. After observing the environment and community, they will leave some members behind as they move to other towns,” a source revealed.
Chairman of Tangaza Local Government Area, Alhaji Isa Salihu Kalenjeni, confirmed the group’s presence.
“They are forcing people to pay zakat, and at the same time robbing them of their belongings. Just recently, they robbed a shop owner of N2 million. They also seized his car and released it after he paid N350,000,” he stated.
Major Gen Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, warned that the Lakurawas are affiliated with ISIS in the Sahelian region and exploited Nigeria’s porous borders with Niger and Mali. He urged citizens to report suspicious activities.
“This is the same thing that happened when Boko Haram started. But this time, we are out for them from the onset. We are locating them and neutralizing them. The lesson to learn from this is if you see strange people, say something. Report to the authorities. Don’t just assume until it gets out of hand ,” the General said.
Gen. Buba also emphasised: “They exploited the vast borders from Niger Republic which stretches to Mali and which became porous as a result of the coup in Niger Republic to cross into parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states because the joint border operations with Nigerian security forces was experiencing gaps. Now we know exactly where they are.”
Nigeria is still battling Boko Haram which began from the North-East about 15 years ago.
Bandits which gained prominence during the last administration are still wreaking havoc in parts of the country especially in Benue, Plateau and some agrarian communities.
