There are reports of apprehension in Sokoto ,North West, Nigeria as a newly emerging terrorist organization known as “Lakurawas,” or the Mujahidin, has reportedly seized substantial control over five local government areas of the state.
Reports by Naija News named the affected local government areas to include Tangaza, Gada, Illela, Silame, and Binji.
Also according to Vanguard the group is imposing zakat and other forms of levies on local communities.
Witnesses report that the militants, who are heavily armed, communicate using a range of languages such as Hausa, Fulani, Tuareg, Kanuri, Tuba, and English.
Residents state that the group arrives in large numbers, often using motorcycles and leaves a contingent behind to collect taxes and compel residents to harvest crops and supply food.
The fear gripped citizens points out that those who resist face severe consequences, including the confiscation of livestock.
“We know when they are coming because they appear in significant numbers, usually on 10 to 15 motorcycles. After assessing the area, they station some members to oversee operations while others continue to different locations,” one local source shared.
Alhaji Isa Salihu Kalenjeni, Chairman of Tangaza Local Government Area, confirmed the militants’ presence and their coercive tactics.
According to the Chairman, “They are forcing people to pay zakat while simultaneously robbing them. Recently, a shop owner was robbed of N2 million. His car was also taken and returned only after he paid N350,000,”
Recall, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, highlighted the group’s affiliation with ISIS in the Sahel region, emphasizing that they exploit Nigeria’s porous borders with Niger and Mali.
