The recent invasion of several communities in Sokoto and Kebbi States by a group of insurgents called Lakurawa has drawn significant attention in the Nigerian Senate. On Wednesday, senators discussed the serious impact of these attacks and commended the military for its swift response in addressing the threat. The motion was introduced by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi from Kebbi North, who called on the federal government to take stronger measures to prevent the group from gaining a stronger foothold in the region.
Senator Abdullahi explained that the Lakurawa insurgents, allegedly from neighboring countries like Burkina Faso and Mali, entered Nigeria through the border areas of Sokoto State. They began their attacks in the local government areas (LGAs) of Illela, Tangaza, and Silame in Sokoto, and then expanded their violence into the Augie and Arewa LGAs of Kebbi State. The insurgents have caused severe destruction in these communities, including the recent large-scale invasion of Mera, a village in Augie LGA, on November 8, 2024. During the attack, more than 20 people were killed, and the group stole livestock worth millions of naira, leaving behind a trail of devastation.
In response, the Kebbi State government acted quickly by sending a delegation with relief materials to the affected villages. They also offered support to the families of those who had lost their lives. Senator Abdullahi, along with his colleagues Senator Adamu Aliero from Kebbi Central and Senator Garba Musa Maidoki from Kebbi South, visited the affected areas to show solidarity with the victims and families of the deceased. The delegation also represented the National Assembly in expressing sympathy to the people of Kebbi State.
Senator Abdullahi warned that if the government does not take swift and decisive action, the Lakurawa insurgents could spread their violent activities to other parts of northern Nigeria and beyond, further destabilizing the region. He urged the Senate and the federal government to prioritize this threat before it escalates further.
During the debate, several senators praised the Nigerian military for its quick intervention, which helped contain the insurgents’ attacks. One of the notable contributions came from the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, who expressed his solidarity with the people of Kebbi. He described the Lakurawa insurgency as a new dimension to the ongoing security challenges in the region, drawing comparisons with the early days of the Boko Haram insurgency.
Senator Barau cautioned that the insurgency in northern Nigeria could spiral out of control, just as Boko Haram did when it initially emerged from neighboring regions. He emphasized that the government must not repeat the mistakes made during the early days of Boko Haram’s rise. Barau also acknowledged the efforts of security forces, praising their hard work and dedication in keeping the country safe. However, he stressed that the new threat posed by the Lakurawa insurgents requires enhanced focus and greater efforts from the military and other security agencies.
The Senate as a whole commended the military for sending reinforcements to the affected areas. The reinforcements helped restore peace and order, and the military was also tasked with maintaining a visible presence in the region to prevent further attacks. The Senate called on the military to work closely with local communities and other security agencies to implement early warning systems that would help detect and prevent future incursions by insurgents.
Additionally, the Senate urged the federal government to send a team to assess the damage caused by the insurgency. The team would evaluate the extent of the destruction and determine what relief is needed for the affected families. In honor of the lives lost during the attacks, the Senate also observed a minute of silence for the deceased.
Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, also commended the Nigerian military for its timely and efficient response to the insurgency. He reiterated the importance of maintaining vigilance in the affected communities, warning that if the Lakurawa group is not contained, it could spread its influence further across the region. Akpabio called on the military to stay alert and continue their operations to protect innocent lives and prevent the insurgency from destabilizing other parts of the country.
The attacks by the Lakurawa insurgents have raised serious concerns among Nigerians about the growing insecurity in the northern part of the country. While the military’s response has been praised, many are calling for more effective long-term strategies to address the root causes of such violence and prevent further insurgencies from emerging in the future. Some senators have suggested that the government should focus on improving the security infrastructure in border areas, as well as fostering stronger cooperation between Nigeria and its neighboring countries to curb the influx of terrorist groups into the region.
In the aftermath of these attacks, the Senate has taken steps to ensure that the federal government remains committed to addressing the threat posed by these violent groups. The situation in Sokoto and Kebbi States has brought the issue of border security to the forefront of national discourse, with calls for greater coordination between security agencies and local communities. The Senate has emphasized the need for stronger measures to safeguard the country from the spread of terrorism, particularly from foreign insurgents who may attempt to take advantage of Nigeria’s porous borders.
The ongoing insurgency in Sokoto and Kebbi has highlighted the urgent need for the government to take more proactive steps to address the growing security concerns in northern Nigeria. While the military’s response has been commendable, many believe that more efforts are needed to tackle the root causes of terrorism and ensure that these violent groups do not find safe havens within the country. The federal government, local governments, and security agencies must work together to strengthen security in vulnerable areas, improve intelligence sharing, and implement measures to prevent the spread of insurgency.
As the situation continues to develop, the Nigerian people are watching closely to see how the government and military respond to the growing threat. The recent attacks by the Lakurawa group have served as a reminder that the fight against terrorism is far from over, and that the government must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the challenges posed by insurgent groups within and outside the country. The Senate’s actions reflect a growing concern about the safety and security of Nigerian citizens, and the need for decisive action to curb the spread of violence and terror in the region.
