A heinous act of violence by suspected members of the Lakurawa terror group unfolded on Wednesday in the Daɗin Kowa area of the Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State, targeting worshippers during a nighttime Qur’anic Tafsir session at a local mosque. The attackers, reportedly surrounding the mosque, opened fire on the congregation, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and leaving several others, with reports indicating five, injured. The injured victims were promptly rushed to nearby medical facilities for emergency treatment.

This brutal assault is widely believed to be a direct reprisal for a recent military operation. According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the attack was in retaliation for a foiled military ambush earlier in the week by troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA. This operation successfully "neutralised" five suspected Lakurawa members near Mayama Hill. The failed ambush had specifically targeted the convoy of Major General Bemgha Koughna, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma, during an operational tour in the state. During the fierce gun battle that ensued, troops recovered significant weaponry, including one OJC gun, one PKT gun, two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, a bandolier of PKT ammunition, and several rounds of 12.7mm ammunition. Additionally, a camel bag containing N840,000, two mobile phones, and five motorcycles were recovered from the insurgents.

The community of Daɗin Kowa has been plunged into deep mourning and fear following this senseless act of violence against innocent people observing religious rites during the holy month of Ramadan. While initially, there was no official statement from the state government or security agencies regarding the incident, security authorities have since confirmed ongoing efforts to track down the perpetrators. They have assured the public of intensified operations aimed at restoring calm to the affected area.

This tragedy is not an isolated incident but rather another grim chapter in the escalating insecurity plaguing North-west Nigeria, particularly Kebbi and Sokoto states. The emergence of the Lakurawa group, an extremist sect with profound links to Sahelian terror networks operating in Niger and Mali, has been a significant factor in this escalation. The group's modus operandi increasingly involves targeting mosques and residential areas, burning homes, looting properties, and displacing entire communities, creating a climate of pervasive fear.

Just one week prior, or specifically on February 20, the Lakurawa group was responsible for another devastating coordinated attack in Kebbi’s Arewa Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of at least 33 to 34 residents, including 23 youths. Reports indicate that these insurgents invaded the communities initially to rustle cattle but were met with resistance from residents. The volatility of the region was further underscored by the aforementioned high-profile ambush on February 23, which targeted the convoy of Major General Koughna in Kebbi, highlighting the constant threat faced by both civilians and military personnel.