Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central Senatorial District, has commended the quick action taken by the Nigerian Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and the military leadership following the recent attack by the Lakurawa terrorist group in Mera community, Augie Local Government Area, Kebbi State.
The incident, which left 15 people dead, prompted immediate deployment of troops to the area. Reports revealed that the terrorists, upon encountering the superior firepower of the Nigerian military, fled the state, abandoning stolen cattle and valuables. Senator Aliero, accompanied by fellow National Assembly members from Kebbi State, visited the affected communities to express condolences and conduct a fact-finding mission.
The delegation, which included notable lawmakers such as former Senate Leader Senator Yahaya Abdullahi and Senator Musa Maidoki, donated ₦10 million to families of the deceased. During the visit, the visibly-shaken Emir of Argungu, HRH Samai’la Muhammad Mera, narrated the ordeal faced by his people, including threats from the bandits to return and avenge their losses.
In a meeting with Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and Minister of State Bello Matawalle, Senator Aliero urged swift and decisive action to prevent the Northwest from suffering the same prolonged insecurity witnessed in the Northeast. “It’s a war that can be finished within five days,” Aliero emphasized, highlighting the region’s importance as an agricultural and economic hub. The Defence Minister promptly ordered additional troops and armoured tanks to the affected areas, with aerial reconnaissance proposed to track and eliminate the bandits. Following these measures, the military successfully pursued the terrorists, recovering stolen cattle and valuables.
“The bandits were bold enough to linger around, threatening villagers until the military’s arrival forced them to flee into Niger Republic,” Aliero disclosed. He urged continued collaboration with Niger’s military under existing security agreements to ensure the insurgents do not regroup. Senator Aliero praised the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for his leadership and the prompt response by the military. He called for a sustained presence in affected areas to restore lasting peace. “Our people now feel a sense of relief and security, which was lacking before.
The fear has dissipated, and the villagers are grateful for our intervention,” Aliero noted, adding that lawmakers would continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in its efforts to ensure nationwide security.
