Suspected Lakurawa terrorists have attacked a mosque in Dadinkowa, Maiyama LGA, killing four worshippers and injuring five others in a reprisal assault that has heightened tensions in Kebbi State.
The attack, which occurred on Wednesday evening during prayers, saw gunmen storm the mosque and open fire indiscriminately on congregants.
Counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama reported that the assault was retaliation for a failed ambush earlier in the week targeting troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA.
Reprisal After Foiled Military Ambush
According to security sources, troops had earlier “neutralised” five suspected Lakurawa members near Mayama Hill during an attempted ambush on a military convoy.
The convoy was reportedly carrying the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division during an operational tour of the state.
During the encounter, soldiers recovered one OJC gun, one PKT gun, two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, a bandolier of PKT ammunition, several rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, N840,000 in cash, two mobile phones and five motorcycles.
Security authorities say operations are ongoing to track down the perpetrators of the mosque attack and restore calm to the affected communities.
The injured victims have been taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
The incident adds to growing concerns over Lakurawa activities in north-west Nigeria.
On 20 February, suspected Lakurawa terrorists reportedly killed at least 33 residents in coordinated attacks on communities in Arewa LGA, allegedly during a cattle-rustling raid.
Police said residents confronted the attackers before the violence escalated.
Security agencies have since intensified surveillance and military patrols across vulnerable communities in Kebbi State.
