New jihadist group ‘Lakurawa’ reportedly takes over Sokoto communities, imposes Islamic laws, levies
RipplesnigeriaNov 7, 2024Read original
A new jihadist group known as the “Lakurawas” have reportedly taken over some communities in five local government areas in Sokoto State where they have imposed Islamic laws, taxes and levies.
Ripples Nigeria had reported how the state Deputy Governor, Idris Gobir, had warned of the emergence of the deadly and dangerous terrorist group, calling on concerted security efforts to dislodge them.
Gobir, while receiving participants of Course 33 of the National Defence College, Abuja, who were on a study tour in the state, had said the group which describes itself as a faith-based idealist sect, but possessed sophisticated weapons and carrying out criminal activities in about five local government areas of the state.
An Intel report has however, identified that the heavily armed ‘Lakurawas’ have so far taken over Tangaza, Gudu, Ilela, Silame and Binji local councils of the state where they have imposed their own rules.
Some residents of the affected communities who spoke with journalists on Wednesday, expressed deep concerns over the presence of the heavily armed Islamic preachers, many of whom are believed to be foreigners.
“The Lakurawas have set up bases in the affected local government areas, moving from community to community and preaching against western civilization and democratic system of government, similar to the ideology of Boko Haram terrorists,” one resident said.
“We have noticed that the majority of the members of the new Islamic sect are from the Sahel countries of Mali and Niger Republic.
“They imposed strict Islamic laws, luring young people into the fold with business capital. They also collect taxes and levies.
“During sermons, they’ll tell us they don’t recognize the Nigerian government and its security forces,” another resident said.
