Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Armed men linked to the Lakurawa group reportedly stormed Zugurma community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State on Sunday, where they issued directives on marriage practices and community conduct, according to residents.
Witnesses said the armed group arrived in broad daylight and spent hours addressing locals, during which they allegedly introduced what they described as new rules for the community.
One resident said, “They stayed for hours preaching. They said any girl above 15 must be married off and bride price should be N1,500.”
Community members described the development as part of a broader pattern of attempted control over rural settlements in the area, which lies along a strategic route linking Borgu to Mokwa.
Residents also expressed concern over what they described as increasing movement of armed groups across forested communities in Borgu, noting that similar groups had previously been sighted travelling in large numbers from neighbouring Kebbi State on motorcycles.
Some locals said the latest incident has heightened fears that several remote settlements are becoming more vulnerable due to limited security presence and difficult terrain across the region’s vast forest boundaries.
Borgu Local Government Area, one of the largest in the country, shares extensive borders with parts of Kwara and Kebbi States, an area residents say has become increasingly difficult to monitor.
Community members urged authorities to respond more decisively, warning that the continued presence and activities of armed groups could further worsen insecurity in affected areas.
