Suspected Lakurawa terrorists have attacked a mosque in Dadinkowa community, Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing six worshippers and injuring three others. The assault occurred on Wednesday evening while Muslims were observing prayers.
Local sources said the terrorists opened fire indiscriminately. Police Public Relations Officer Bashir Usman confirmed that the attack was carried out in retaliation for a failed ambush on troops of the Nigerian Army. “The attack was a reprisal by suspected Lakurawa terrorist elements following a failed ambush on troops attached to the 8 Division,” he said.
The chain of events began on February 24, when the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, and Commander, Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgha Koughna, came under attack while visiting frontline troops. “The GOC’s convoy, while navigating forested terrain near Maiyama Hill, came under heavy gunfire from armed terrorists believed to be members of the Lakurawa group. Troops responded with superior firepower, engaged the attackers in a fierce gun duel, and neutralised five of them, thereby foiling the ambush,” Usman said.
Usman added that five worshippers initially died from gunshot wounds sustained during the mosque attack, while three others were evacuated to nearby medical facilities. Local sources, however, confirmed that six people ultimately lost their lives and were buried according to Islamic rites.
The attack marks the latest incident of violence targeting civilians in Kebbi State, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.
