 |
| Bandit adopted 10 women during mid-service |
On Sunday, May 18, 2025, at around 10 a.m., gunmen struck a church in Zagani village. The worship hall filled with women. The Lakurawa bandit group led the attack. They wielded rifles and motorcycles. Worshippers fled in fear. Ten women were taken hostage.
Local leaders raced to the scene. They found overturned chairs and shattered windows. The pastor’s voice shook as he spoke. He urged calm and prayer. Some injured worshippers lay on mats. Blood stained the white tiles. The community reeled from shock.
Hussaini Aliyu Bena, Danko-Wasagu LGA chairman, spoke to Channels Television. He said poor network hampered contact with abductees. He blamed a rising trend of raids. He linked the threat to an alleged pact between bandits and Zamfara officials.
The Kebbi State government confirmed about ten worshippers abducted. Officials said some people were injured during the raid. The governor vowed swift action. Military forces prepared to move. Local hunters offered to guide troops. Families waited in fear.
The Lakurawa group appeared in Sokoto State in 2018. It began as a self‑defense militia. Over time, it grew radical. It now enforces strict religious rules. Locals fear its rise near Niger and Mali borders.
Experts warn Lakurawa may merge with Boko Haram factions. They note shared Salafi jihadist roots. They see risk of regional expansion. They call for stronger regional cooperation.
In April, Lakurawa fighters attacked Tungan Taura in Kebbi. They killed three villagers. They stole cattle and food. The military launched an airstrike to hit their base. Sadly, civilians died by accident.
Human rights groups cite over 400 civilian deaths in military airstrikes since 2017. They urge better targeting and oversight. They say local trust erodes when forces harm innocents.
Kebbi residents face bandit raids on farms and homes. Over 30 attacks hit border villages this year. Farmers stay indoors at dusk. Markets close early. Many families sleep under one roof. Fear shapes daily life.
Church leaders express shock at the attack. They note previous raids in Zamfara and Katsina. In 2023, gunmen seized worshippers in Zamfara mosque. In 2022, bandits killed two priests in Kaduna. Churches now hire guards at gates.
Some clergy urge balanced view. They warn against blaming all Muslim communities. They highlight joint prayers in interfaith efforts. They say bandits care not for faith. They exploit any target for ransom.
Security analysts say climate change worsens land conflicts. They note herders and farmers clash more often. Armed groups take advantage. Weak state presence leaves gaps. They urge investment in local policing.
Women’s groups demand special focus on female victims. They call for safe shelters and counseling. They warn of mental trauma. They ask for free legal aid.
A pastor’s wife who escaped urged villagers to stand firm. She helped hide others in church rooms. She remembers the gunshots clearly. She ran barefoot through thorn bushes. Her journey took hours.
Governor Ahmed Idris condemned the raid. He promised new patrol bases. He said funds would clear roadblocks. He asked for federal support. He vowed no ransom payment.
The military says it will deploy troops soon. It plans drones and armoured vehicles. It will engage vigilante groups. It seeks to cut bandit supply lines.
International bodies call for human rights checks. They stress rescue over force. They say civilians must not suffer. They back community dialogue.
Local youths form watch teams at church gates. They patrol in pairs after service. They carry torches and sticks. They hope to deter gunmen. They pray for peace.
As dusk falls, the church stands empty. The altar cloth lies still. Villagers whisper hopes for safe return. They light candles in the silent evening. They await news at dawn.