Residents of Zugurma community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State have accused suspected Lakurawa fighters of imposing strict social regulations, including a directive that girls aged 15 and above must be married off immediately with bride prices fixed at N1,500.
According to reports from community members, Lakurawa armed members entered the community in broad daylight on Sunday and spent several hours addressing residents while preaching their ideology.
Witnesses reported that the fighters were reportedly seen moving from neighbouring Kebbi State into Borgu on motorcycles, with eyewitnesses claiming that armed convoys operated openly across several communities.
“They stayed for hours preaching. They said any girl above 15 must be married off and bride price should be N1,500,” a resident alleged.
The development has heightened concerns among locals, who stated that the directives are part of an effort by the group to impose control over communities in the area.
Residents recalled that weeks earlier, large numbers of suspected Lakurawa fighters were reportedly seen moving from neighbouring Kebbi State into Borgu on motorcycles, with eyewitnesses claiming that armed convoys operated openly across several communities.
However, the community members warned that rural settlements and forested areas within Borgu are becoming increasingly vulnerable. Adding that armed groups are expanding their presence, raising fears of worsening insecurity if urgent action is not taken.
Noting that, Borgu Local Government Area is one of the largest in Nigeria by landmass and shares extensive forest boundaries with Kaiama and Baruten local government areas of Kwara State. It also shares boundaries with some parts of Bagudo in Kebbi State regions.
The locals also expressed frustration over what they described as an inadequate security response. While alleging that repeated warnings about the activities of Lakurawa armed groups in the area is yet to be looked into by the authorities for proper security attention.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
