Lakurawa Militants Ambush Hunters in Hurumi Forest, Sokoto State, Leaving At Least 13 Dead
Gunmen, Identified as Lakurawa, Launch Deadly Ambush on Hunters, Resulting in 13 Fatalities in Sokoto
In a chilling incident, a group of seasonal hunters met a brutal end at the hands of suspected Lakurawa terrorists in Hurumi Forest, Talewa Ward, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
According to Daily Trust, these unfortunate souls hailed from communities in Tangaza and Gwadabawa LGAs. They were on their annual hunting expedition when they crossed paths with heavily-armed militants around midday on Thursday.
A local resident revealed, "Three bodies have been retrieved, ten are still missing. Some survivors have returned home."
The devastating toll was not evenly distributed among the communities. Kangiye lost five hunters; Chancha, Rantijadi, Gidan Kaji, and Gandaba Yamma each suffered one fatality; while Gandaba Gabas had the grim misfortune of losing two of their own.
Terrorists Launch Separate Assault on Magonho Village, Destroy MTN Mast
Friday saw suspect Lakurawa gunmen launch a separate attack on Magonho village, again in Tangaza LGA. Military forces repelled the initial attack, recovered rustled livestock, and reportedly repelled the attack. However, the terrorists returned two hours later and destroyed an MTN telecommunications mast, effectively severing the mobile network in the community.
Were Hunters Unwitting Bait for a Bigger Ambush?
An anonymous local government official claimed that intelligence indicated the hunters were not actually the primary target. According to him, the Lakurawa intended to lure the military into an ambush using the hunters. He also suggested that some of the hunters might have been abducted and their status currently unknown.
Evolution of Lakurawa Tactics - More Focus on Looting and Ambushes
According to the local official, Lakurawa has shifted its focus away from controlling villages and towards looting livestock and ambushing security personnel. Moreover, the group has allegedly planted landmines along major routes and reportedly has Salewa Ward entirely under control.
Special Adviser on Security to the Chairman of Tangaza LGA, Ghazzali Aliyu Rakah, confirmed the attack and stated that search operations were ongoing. He expressed concern over the mounting use of landmines by terrorists, reminding everyone of a previous incident where soldiers lost their lives when a vehicle struck an explosive.
Security Forces Respond
Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd), security adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, emphasized that the state government is working closely with security agencies to safeguard communities. He implored residents to cease harboring terrorists and join government efforts instead.
DSP Ahmad Rufa'i, police spokesman, confirmed the recovery and burial of two bodies and ongoing joint operations.
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- The Lakurawa militants, who are known for their tactics of looting livestock and ambushing security personnel, ambushed a group of seasonal hunters in Hurumi Forest, Sokoto State, leaving at least 13 dead.
- The hunting party, consisting of individuals from various communities in Tangaza and Gwadabawa LGAs, was on their annual hunting expedition when they were ambushed by the heavily-armed Lakurawa terrorists.
- The police, along with other security forces, are conducting joint operations in response to the ambush and have confirmed the recovery and burial of two bodies.
- Despite the ongoing violence and terrorism in the region, the general news and crime-and-justice sectors continue to report on the WAR-AND-CONFLICTS in Sokoto State, highlighting the role of the army, reps (representatives or political representatives), and police in responding to these incidents.
