New border militia group kills 15 in Nigerian village during cattle raid
Armed group Lakurawas attacked village in north-west Nigeria causing multiple deaths during attempted livestock theft. Local authorities confirmed this was groups first raid in the region
In a violent clash few days ago armed militants from Lakurawas group raided Mera village in north-west Nigerias Kebbi state killing 15 locals and getting two of their own members killed during a failed cattle-theft attempt
The newly-formed cross-border group (which emerged about 16 months ago after Nigerʼs military take-over) arrived on motor-bikes to steal livestock; however villagers fought back which led to gun-fire and multiple casualties. Samaila Mera the local chief confirmed this was Lakurawas first attack in their area
The regions security landscape already faces challenges from two major groups:
- Boko Haram
- Islamic State West Africa Province
Deputy governor Abubakar Tafida who attended victims funeral next day stated: “We are working with security forces to stop such attacks.“ The Lakurawas group consists of former herders from Nigeria-Niger border communities who switched to militant activities
