Six worshippers killed as suspected Lakurawa terrorists attack Mosque in Kebbi

Suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group have attacked a mosque in Dadinkowa community, Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing at least six worshippers and injuring three others in what security authorities described as a reprisal assault.

Local sources said the gunmen invaded the mosque on Wednesday evening while worshippers were observing prayers and opened fire indiscriminately, causing panic in the community.

Confirming the incident, Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, Bashir Usman, said the attack was carried out in retaliation for an earlier confrontation between the terrorists and troops of the Nigerian Army.

According to him, the reprisal followed a failed ambush on troops attached to the 8 Division Nigerian Army.

Failed Ambush on Army Convoy

Usman said the chain of events began on February 24 when the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Bemgha Koughna, came under attack while travelling to visit frontline troops deployed in the state.

He explained that the GOC’s convoy came under heavy gunfire from suspected Lakurawa terrorists while navigating forested terrain near Maiyama Hill.

Troops reportedly repelled the attack with superior firepower and neutralised five of the attackers during the gun battle, thereby foiling the ambush.

Casualty Figures

Police said five worshippers died from gunshot wounds sustained during the mosque attack, while three others were injured and evacuated to nearby medical facilities.

However, local sources insisted that six victims were buried after funeral prayers, indicating that the death toll may be higher than the official figure.

The incident has heightened fears over worsening insecurity in rural communities of Kebbi State, where residents remain vulnerable to retaliatory attacks by armed groups.