Northern groups have voiced strong opposition to the rise of a new terror group, known as ‘Lukarawas,’ pledging that they will not tolerate further threats to the safety and well-being of their communities......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
This response follows a claim from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) that some communities in Sokoto and Bauchi states welcomed members of the Lukarawas group, a claim that the groups have firmly rejected.
The Lukarawas group recently launched an attack on Mera town in Kebbi State’s Augie Local Government Area, tragically killing at least 15 people. According to community stakeholder Bashir Mera, the assault occurred as residents were preparing for Jumaat prayer, with the attackers also taking over 100 cattle.
Mera explained that locals quickly mobilized, tracking the group into the bush in an attempt to recover their cattle.
He recounted, “On receipt of the news, people of the town mobilised in hundreds and pursued them to the bush in a bid to retrieve the animals, which led to an exchange of fire between the people of the town and the group, after which 15 people and two from the Lakurawas were killed.
“The terrorists are hiding in Sokoto where they also coordinate their attack. Initially, they don’t kill people but confiscate cows and ask owners to pay Zakat, which Muslims pay from their wealth that has attained the level of Zakat, and it has been happening for almost two months. This is their first attack that involves killing in our town, Mera.”
The Defence Headquarters confirmed the emergence of Lukarawas last Thursday, stating the group formed in the Republic of Niger following the recent coup, which disrupted military cooperation between Niger and Nigeria.
Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, explained that these terrorists exploited gaps left by reduced cooperation to infiltrate remote areas of Nigeria’s northwest and expand their ideology. He noted that some locals initially welcomed the group, thinking they had good intentions, and therefore did not report their presence to authorities.
In reaction, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) accused the Defence Headquarters of deflecting responsibility from systemic security challenges onto vulnerable communities.
The NEF spokesperson, Abdulazeez Sulaiman, commented, “The accusation that local communities are ‘harbouring’ terrorists is a sweeping generalisation that lacks nuance.
“While some individuals may provide aid to terrorist groups, it is crucial to recognise that communities are not monolithic entities. Attributing collective responsibility for the actions of a few perpetuates harmful stereotypes and disregards the complexities of social dynamics within these regions.”
Sulaiman emphasized the importance of addressing the social and economic issues that may lead individuals to support such groups rather than issuing generalized blame.
He added, “The Defence Headquarters’ statement conveniently ignores the systemic failures that contribute to the rise of terrorism. Decades of neglect in terms of development, education, and employment opportunities in these states have created a fertile ground for extremist ideologies to flourish.
“Additionally, the lack of accountability for past human rights abuses by security forces has fostered resentment and distrust towards authorities, further pushing vulnerable populations towards alternative, often radicalised, solutions.
“Instead of blaming communities, the government should focus on addressing the root causes of terrorism. This requires implementing genuine development programs, promoting inclusive governance, and ensuring the accountability of security forces.”
Similarly, the Arewa Youth Consultative Council called the Lukarawas a politically motivated group, created to destabilize the northern region.
The council’s president, Zaid Ayuba, expressed frustration at the lack of preemptive intelligence on the group’s formation.
“To us, it is one of those politically motivated terror creations to further destabilise the North. You are aware that since 2007 till date, Northern Nigeria has been battling with the menace of Boko Haram and other criminal gangs gradually from cattle rustling to kidnapping. There is no single state in the North that could boast of 100% peace,” said Ayuba.
He urged Northern leaders to act swiftly in addressing this threat.
Ayuba continued, “We are calling the attention of our critical stakeholders to it. Northern Nigeria has been battling with this and it seems like we are not serious in dealing with this crisis. A criminal group will be formed and they will be treating the matter as if it’s nothing. They will be watching how gradually it will metamorphose into a terror group and gradually it will become an international concern.
“So, we are calling on our government, specifically our Northern Governors, to crush this terror group now. They must crush it before it extends to other neighbouring states.”
Ayuba also questioned the nation’s intelligence capabilities, saying, “What is happening to the intelligence system of this country? How come the intelligence agencies hardly succeed in making sure that strategic information was gathered to be able to take action beforehand? How come we allow the formation of this criminal gang? How come we allow their operations? How come we allow their existence to the level that we cannot fight them?”