Lakurawa Terrorists Kill 15 in Sokoto: Worshippers, Farmers Slain in Kwalajiya Village Attack

On Tuesday afternoon (July 1, 2025), suspected Lakurawa terrorists stormed Kwalajiya village in Sokoto State’s Tangaza Local Government Area. Eyewitnesses report they opened fire on residents as they prayed the Zuhr (afternoon) prayer and tended to farmland, killing approximately 15 people, including worshippers and farmers, with 7 more injured. The attack occurred around 2 pm, catching villagers unawares as they gathered in the mosque and worked in nearby fields.

Locals believe it may be a reprisal after a previous confrontation that saw three Lakurawa members, including a suspected leader, killed in an earlier failed raid cite. Additionally, the group was reportedly stoked by village elders who forbade intermarriage between their daughters and Lakurawa members. Attackers also set fire to homes, farms, and even disabled the local telecom mast—cutting off networks entirely, forcing residents to flee to Tangaza’s headquarters (Gidan Madi) and Sokoto city.

The victims were buried Thursday according to Islamic rites. Sokoto State Police spokesman DSP Ahmed Rufa’i confirmed the incident but said casualty figures were still being verified. The LGA chairman and security officials were present at the burials, and reinforcements have been dispatched to prevent further violence.  This attack is part of an escalation by Lakurawa in northwest Nigeria, which recently struck Sabiyo (killing 8) and planted IEDs in Gwabro (killing 7), as well as ambushed hunters in Hurumi forest (13 killed). Retired Squadron Leader Aminu Bala Sokoto (Rtd) recommends recruitment of community guards, coordinated military deployment, and air support. The Sokoto state government has pledged to strengthen regional security