How Lakurawa Invaded Church, Abducted Female Worshippers in Kebbi – LG Chairman

In a chilling Sunday morning incident, gunmen suspected to be members of the notorious Lakurawa gang stormed a local church in Zagani village, Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, abducting eight female worshippers during a service.

The incident, which occurred in the remote village close to the Kebbi–Zamfara border, has heightened fears among residents already grappling with insecurity. Confirming the attack, the Chairman of Danko-Wasagu LGA, Hussaini Aliyu Bena, said the bandits interrupted a church service and forcibly took the women away before fleeing into nearby forest terrain.

According to Bena, efforts to identify the victims have been hindered by poor network connectivity in the area, making communication difficult. “We are yet to confirm the identities of those kidnapped, and no contact has been made with the attackers as of now,” he said during a phone interview with journalists.

Bena further expressed deep concern about the growing threat of cross-border banditry, especially from criminal elements believed to have relocated from Zamfara State. He noted that these gangs may be expanding their reach into Kebbi State due to a relative lack of resistance.

“There are strong indications that these criminals, who may have signed a ceasefire deal with the Zamfara State government, are now moving into Kebbi communities they perceive as vulnerable,” he added.

He revealed that although the Kebbi State government had made arrangements last year to deploy security personnel to protect vulnerable communities along the border, heavy rains had disrupted the planned operation. However, he assured residents that new security strategies are being finalized to strengthen military presence and prevent future attacks.

The recent development underscores the worsening security challenges in parts of Northern Nigeria, especially in communities situated close to volatile state borders. Residents of Zagani and surrounding villages are now calling for urgent government intervention to prevent further abductions and restore peace to the area.