Suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group carried out a violent assault on a mosque in Dadinkowa community, Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing six worshippers and wounding three others.
Security authorities described the incident as a retaliatory strike following an unsuccessful ambush targeting a military convoy.
The gunmen reportedly stormed the mosque on Wednesday evening during prayer, opening fire on congregants in a brutal attack.
Confirming the event, Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, Bashir Usman, explained that the assault was in response to a previous clash with soldiers of the Nigerian Army.
“This attack was a reprisal by suspected Lakurawa terrorist elements following a failed ambush on troops attached to the 8 Division,” Usman said.
The chain of events, according to the police, began on February 24, when the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Bemgha Koughna, were targeted while visiting frontline soldiers deployed in the state.
“The GOC’s convoy, while moving through forested terrain near Mayama Hill, came under heavy gunfire from armed terrorists believed to be affiliated with the Lakurawa group. The troops responded with superior firepower, engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, and neutralized five of them, successfully thwarting the ambush,” Usman added.
During the mosque attack, five worshippers reportedly died from gunshot wounds, while three others sustained injuries of varying severity and were immediately evacuated to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Funeral prayers for the victims were conducted in accordance with Islamic rites, with six victims laid to rest, confirming the death toll from the incident. Local sources corroborated that six individuals lost their lives during the assault.
The attack underscores the persistent security challenges in Kebbi State and highlights the increasing use of retaliatory violence by terrorist groups against civilian populations following clashes with security forces. Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution and remain vigilant, particularly during nighttime prayers and in isolated areas.
Security experts have noted that such reprisal attacks aim to intimidate communities while undermining confidence in the ability of security agencies to protect civilians. Local officials continue to collaborate with military and police forces to enhance intelligence gathering, reinforce security presence, and prevent further attacks in vulnerable communities.
Authorities have reiterated the importance of reporting suspicious activities and cooperating with security agencies to ensure timely responses and safeguard lives across the state.
What you should know
The attack on the Dadinkowa mosque was a direct retaliation by suspected Lakurawa terrorists following a failed ambush on a Nigerian Army convoy.
Six worshippers lost their lives, and three others were injured. The incident highlights the persistent security threats in Kebbi State and the growing tactic of reprisal attacks targeting civilians.
Security agencies continue to reinforce operations to prevent future occurrences and encourage residents to remain vigilant.
