The recent invasion of communities in Sokoto and Kebbi States by Lakurawa insurgents sparked significant discussion in the Senate on Wednesday, leading to praise for the military’s swift action against the attackers.
The Senate’s attention was drawn to the insurgency through a motion introduced by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (PDP, Kebbi North). Titled “Urgent Need for the Federal Government to Take Stringent Measures to Stop the Infiltration of Violent Terrorists Known as Lakurawa,” the motion highlighted the group’s origins in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali.
Senator Abdullahi reported that the insurgents had crossed into Nigeria via the Niger border, explicitly targeting the Illela, Tangaza, and Silame Local Government Areas of Sokoto. From there, they launched attacks on communities in the Augie and Arewa LGAs of Kebbi State.
He detailed a harrowing incident on November 8, 2024, when over 20 people were killed during a large-scale invasion of the village of Mera in Augie Local Government. The terrorists not only claimed lives but also stole livestock valued at hundreds of millions of naira.
In response to the crisis, the Kebbi State Government dispatched a delegation with relief materials to support the affected communities and assist the victims’ families. Senator Abdullahi and fellow Senators Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) and Garba Musa Maidoki (Kebbi South) visited the impacted areas to express condolences on behalf of the National Assembly.
He warned that without timely and decisive action, the Lakurawa group could expand its violent campaign to other northern regions and beyond.
All Senators who contributed to the discussion commended the military’s immediate response in curbing the insurgents’ activities. Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, expressed solidarity with the people of Kebbi State, noting that this represents a new level of insecurity in the region.
He reflected on Boko Haram’s history, stressing the importance of taking appropriate measures before insurgencies become entrenched. Barau urged security agencies to intensify their efforts, acknowledging their sacrifices in the fight for safety and security.
The Senate officially commended the military for deploying additional personnel to restore peace and maintain a presence in the affected areas. They also directed the military to collaborate with local communities and other security agencies to establish early warning systems to prevent further incursions.
Furthermore, the Senate urged the Federal Government to send an assessment team to evaluate the damage and identify the immediate needs of affected families. In a show of respect, they observed a minute of silence for the community members who lost their lives during the attacks.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the Nigerian military for their prompt response to the insurgency and urged them to remain vigilant in the affected communities to prevent the spread of the Lakurawa group throughout the region.
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