Tensions Soar In Sokoto As Residents Report Rise Of Lakurawa Terror Group

Tensions Soar In Sokoto As Residents Report Rise Of Lakurawa Terror Group

Residents in Sokoto State have raised alarms about a rising militant group, the Lakurawa sect, which they say is worsening the hardships of local communities. On Thursday, military authorities confirmed the presence of the group in several areas across Sokoto and Kebbi states, acknowledging that their activities are exacerbating security issues in the North West region…CONTINUE READING…

Malam Muhammadu Bauni, a resident, shared his concerns with BBC Hausa, explaining that while Lakurawa members claim to protect the community from bandits, their actions impose harsh conditions on residents. “They impose religious laws and recently punished youths for shaving their beards or having certain hairstyles,” he said, adding that although many locals are Muslim, the group’s methods are unwelcome and viewed as excessive.

He continued, “They have also abducted a health worker and have targeted government officials, abducting those they suspect as agents of the government.” Residents say the matter has been reported to authorities, but no effective action has been taken.

The Lakurawa group is reported to have a presence in multiple languages, communicating in Hausa, Fulani, Tuareg, Kanuri, Tuba, and English, with teachings translated for local understanding. Members travel in large numbers, often on motorcycles, and demand religious taxes (zakat) from locals, confiscating livestock from those who cannot pay until they comply.

One resident shared that the group has established influence across five local government areas in Sokoto State, with Gudu Local Government under particularly heavy control, where they operate freely even beyond local government headquarters.