‘They Threatened To Attack If People Refuse To Listen To Them’ – Niger Resident Reveals Terrorists Warning

Armed members of the Lakurawa terrorist group reportedly stormed several communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State on Sunday, where they allegedly preached their extremist ideology and threatened residents who refused to accept their teachings.

Community sources who spoke with Sahara Reporters said the armed men arrived on motorcycles around 4 pm, moving from one settlement to another with sophisticated weapons.

The affected communities were identified as Zugurma, Kulho, Soba and Adogon Malam, all in the Borgu axis of the state.

A resident said, “The terrorists came in large numbers on motorcycles. They were heavily armed and moved confidently from one village to another.

“They gathered some community leaders and warned them to accept their ideology. They said any community that refuses to cooperate would be attacked.”

Residents alleged that the armed men operated openly for more than two hours without security intervention, despite alerts sent to authorities.

Another source said, “They were carrying guns openly and moving freely in public places. They even went to markets where people were seeing them. Some residents were hailing them as if they were celebrities because nobody challenged them.”

Police Accused Of Fleeing Posts

Community members further claimed that policemen stationed in nearby areas abandoned their duty posts after being informed of the terrorists’ presence.

“The police were informed immediately, but they left their positions and went into hiding because they were afraid the terrorists would attack them if they remained there.

“For more than two hours, these terrorists controlled the area without any resistance,” a source said.

The incident has heightened tension in rural communities in Niger State, especially in villages bordering Niger and Kebbi states, where residents say the group has increased its activities.

One resident added, “They threatened that if people refused to listen to them, they would return and attack. People are afraid because we have seen what happened in other communities.”