By Haruna Aliyu – Birnin Kebbi
The new armed bandits known as lakurawa on Friday attacked Mera town under Augie local government area of Kebbi state killing at least fifteen people in the latest siege.
According to Alhaji Bashir Isah Mera (Yariman Mera) who confirmed the attack, the Lakurawas stroke while people were getting set for Jumuat prayers and made away with at least 100 cattle.
On receipt of the news, people of the town mobilised in their hundreds and pursued them to the bush in a bid to rescue the cows which led to exchange of fire between the people of the town and the bandits leading to the killing of 15 people and two from the Lakurawas.
Yarima further said that the Lakurawas are hiding in Sokoto where they also coordinate their attack saying initially they don’t kill they confiscate cows and asked owners to pay Zakat which Muslims pay from their wealth that has attain the level of Zakat and it has been happening for almost two months.
“This is their first attack that involve killing in Mera, the governor expressed worry because he phoned me twice when he heard about the attack and he quickly sent soldiers with gun trucks and armoured tanks to contain the siege in the town”.
However, the commanding officer of Dukku Barracks, DSS boss, Police CP and combined security forces have mobilised to the scene of the incident and returned normalcy.
Deputy governor of Kebbi state, the emir of Argungu Alhaji Samaila Mera also visited Mera town and condoled with the families of the deceased and assured the people of the state and Mera town of their safety.
“The governor is deeply worried by the attack and has pledged to ensure their protection against further attack by the armed group.
Attempts to get the reaction of Kebbi Command police imagemaker, SP Nafiu Abubakar were unsuccessful as his phone number was not reachable as at the time of filing this report.