A prominent Islamic cleric in Sokoto State, Sheikh Abdulbasit Silame, has revealed how the Lakurawa terrorists group deceived the people of Sokoto and Kebbi into believing they are in the two states to rescue them from bandits, kidnappers and cattle rustlers who have been terrorising the communities in the last one decade.
Sheikh Silame made the disclosure in a viral video he released on Friday.
The video tagged “Who are the Lakurawas?” revealed how the terrorists came into the country through the Sokoto and Kebbi State borders.
“When they first came, they were friendly and in order to be accepted. They told us they were on a mission to rescue the people of the areas from banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling.
“As the years progressed, we came to understand that we were deceived. They are no longer the friendly people who told us their mission is to help us defeat the bandits who have been tormenting us for over a decade. But they equally have their own mission, which is to own lands and territories,” the sheikh explained in the video.
According to him, the Lakurawa are not Fulanis but Malians, Burkinabes and Nigeriens, adding that, “I think they have a mission against the Hausa/Fulani.”
He further described members of the group as “tall and lanky, most of who are not circumcised. We found out from the corpses of those killed. An indication they don’t associate with women.”
The scholar noted that the terrorists have started preaching their own ideology even though he has yet to identify what such ideology is.
“Now they have started preaching their ideology. But we are still trying to find out what their ideology is. They allow people to keep beards. They said people should raise their trousers above the ankle. The other day they also celebrated the birthday of the holy prophet Muhammad (SAW). In short, [we are not sure who they are] are they izalas or darika?” he queried.
According to the Islamic scholar, “The terrorist group seized people’s phones and scrutinised the phones. If they find out that the owner has downloaded songs on their phones, they’ll delete the songs and warn them never to download any song again.
“Among their antics in recent times was the burning of seized cigarettes from shop owners. They warned the shop owners to desist from selling cigarettes in the villages.”
The Islamic cleric lamented that the terrorists “have turned into a monster attacking villages and killing innocent people. The other day they came to Balle village and stormed the residence of the district head and forced him out and slaughtered him. They also attacked a military checkpoint and seized their weapons.
“They visit courts and monitor how the judges are handling cases. If they’re not satisfied they will ask the judge to step aside and deliver a fresh judgment.
“They also attend Friday prayers and if they find out that the Imam does not understand Arabic language, they asked him to step aside. One of them would now lead the congregational prayers. Or sometimes they pick a worshiper to lead.
“This group is deadly. We are made to believe that they are in possession of heavy ammunition more than even the bandits.”
Meanwhile, the federal government has dismissed the idea that Lakurawa poses a threat to residents of Sokoto and Kebbi States and even the country, insisting that the nation’s security agencies are on top of the situation and the group will be flushed out soon.
The assurance was given by the National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Major-Gen Adamu Laka, recently in Abuja.
Laka described the numerical strength of the Lakurawa as insignificant to pose a serious threat to the security agencies.
He advised Nigerians against spreading fear in the minds of the populace about the group through the social media as currently being done.
“Concerning the terrorists group, called Lakurawa, there is no cause for concern. The office of National Security Adviser is on top of the issue, that I guarantee you. The way it is being reported is not as bad as that. The total number [of Lakurawa] is not more than 150 or 200, it is very insignificant.
“However, they are looking for more people to join them and Nigerians being resilient, that is why the issue came up. If they had kept quiet within themselves, maybe things would not have been out.
“But they are looking for people to recruit, but we are on top of the issue. There are things I shouldn’t say, but we are on top of the issue.
“So, the issue of Lakurawa extending to Kebbi, Kaduna [shouldn’t arise.] How many are they? Are they that many that they can terrorise Kebbi and terrorise Sokoto? Now, they are coming all the way down to Kaduna? How? We’re talking about 150 people,” he said.
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