At least 15 people were killed in a violent clash between residents of the Mera community and a newly emerged terrorist group known as Lakurawa in Kebbi State.
The confrontation reportedly occurred on Friday near Mera in Augie Local Government Area.
The Lakurawa group, suspected to have links with ISIS operating in the Sahel region, attempted to steal livestock from a local herder, according to a BBC Hausa report. When the herder escaped and alerted the community, residents mobilized and engaged the attackers in a fierce battle.
Eyewitnesses reported that while the locals were able to kill some of the terrorists and injure others, the surviving members of the group managed to retreat, taking their casualties with them.
In response to the incident, Kebbi State’s Deputy Governor, along with the Commissioner of Police and the Emir of Argungu, visited Mera community to offer condolences and assess the situation.
Abdullahi Idris Zuru, a media aide to Kebbi State Governor, confirmed on Saturday that the Lakurawa group has been active in some areas of the state.