Armed members of the Lakurawa terrorist group reportedly issued new social and religious directives to residents of Zugurma community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State on Sunday, including ordering that girls above the age of 15 should be married off and fixing bride price at N1,500.
The development occurred during the group’s visit to the community on Sunday.
SaharaReporters had reported that Lakurawa fighters were moving openly through communities in the Borgu axis, preaching their ideology and threatening residents who refused to accept their teachings.
Community sources told SaharaReporters that the terrorists arrived in Zugurma on Sunday in broad daylight and stayed for several hours while addressing residents.
According to the sources, the armed men used the gathering to preach to the community and announce what they described as rules that residents were expected to follow.
“They stayed in the community for hours preaching to people. During the meeting, they said any girl above 15 years must be married off. They also announced that bride price, known as sadaki, should be fixed at N1,500,” a community source told SaharaReporters.
Residents described the announcement as part of what they fear is an attempt by the group to gradually impose its authority and influence on local communities.
The source said Zugurma is a strategically important community because it sits along the only major road connecting Borgu to Mokwa.
“Zugurma is on the only good road connecting Borgu to Mokwa. The road from New Bussa to Mokwa is the route through which people in Borgu connect with other parts of the country. What is happening here should concern everyone,” the source said.
The latest incident has increased fears among residents who believe Lakurawa fighters are expanding their presence across the forest areas of Borgu and neighbouring communities.
Residents recalled that weeks earlier, hundreds of armed men suspected to be members of the group were seen moving from Kebbi State towards Borgu on motorcycles.
Witnesses said hundreds of motorcycles were involved, with at least two armed men on each motorcycle.
“A large convoy of armed men came from Kebbi. There were hundreds of motorcycles and possibly over a thousand fighters. They moved through the area without resistance,” another resident alleged.
Community members warned that several rural settlements and forest communities in Borgu are becoming increasingly vulnerable to armed groups, raising fears that the area could be isolated if urgent action is not taken.
“Many communities in the hinterland are already dealing with bandits and jihadist groups. If nothing is done, Borgu could become completely cut off,” a source said.
Residents also accused authorities of failing to respond adequately despite repeated warnings over the deteriorating security situation in the area.
Borgu Local Government Area is among Nigeria’s largest local government areas by landmass.
Community leaders noted that when combined with Kaiama and Baruten local government areas of Kwara State and parts of Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State, the region covers a vast forest terrain that remains difficult to secure.
“The forests are massive, and that is why we keep speaking out. Every day of inaction gives these groups more room to expand. We have little left except our voices and prayers,” a resident said.
The development comes amid growing concerns over Lakurawa’s activities in remote communities across parts of north-western and north-central Nigeria, with residents alleging that the group has been using religious preaching as a means of gaining influence.
(SaharaReporters)