Suspected Lakurawa militants launched a deadly raid on Morai village in Kebbi State’s Augie Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 local vigilante members.
According to eyewitness Alhaji Augie, the vigilantes had positioned themselves in nearby bushes after receiving reports of a possible attack. The assailants allegedly targeted the community to steal cattle.
“The vigilantes attempted to stage an ambush and reclaim the stolen cattle,” Augie told Channels Television. “Unfortunately, they were unaware that the terrorists had already surrounded them.”
He continued, “As soon as the vigilantes made their move, the attackers opened fire, killing at least 13 on the spot. The village where it happened is only about three kilometers from mine.”
So far, six of the victims have been recovered and buried in accordance with Islamic rites, while the search for the remaining bodies continues.
Efforts to reach the Kebbi State Police Command for an official statement were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to spokesperson Nafiu Abubakar went unanswered at the time of this report.
