Residents of Zugurma community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State are reportedly facing growing pressure from suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group, who allegedly imposed new social and religious directives on the community.
According to reports, the armed group entered the community in broad daylight on Sunday and spent several hours addressing residents. During the gathering, the militants reportedly preached to community members and announced a set of rules they expected locals to follow.
Among the directives allegedly issued was an order that girls aged 15 and above should be married off. The group was also said to have fixed the bride price, known as sadaki, at ₦1,500.
A resident who spoke on the development said the armed men remained in the community for hours while delivering their message and outlining the new regulations.
The development has heightened concerns among residents, who fear the group is gradually extending its influence and authority across communities in the area.
Zugurma is considered strategically important due to its location along the major road linking Borgu to Mokwa, a key route connecting residents to other parts of the country.
Community members also expressed concern over what they describe as the increasing presence of Lakurawa fighters in the forests and rural settlements surrounding Borgu. They recalled that weeks earlier, a large convoy of armed men, suspected to be members of the group, was seen moving from Kebbi State into the area on hundreds of motorcycles.
Witnesses claimed the convoy consisted of hundreds of motorcycles carrying armed men and travelled through the region without encountering resistance.
Residents warned that several communities in the hinterland are becoming increasingly vulnerable to attacks and infiltration by armed groups, raising fears that parts of Borgu could become isolated if urgent security measures are not implemented.
They also accused authorities of failing to respond adequately to repeated warnings about the worsening security situation.
Borgu Local Government Area is one of Nigeria’s largest by landmass and shares vast forest corridors with parts of Kwara and Kebbi states. Community leaders say the expansive terrain has made security operations difficult, allowing armed groups greater freedom of movement.
Locals continue to call for urgent intervention, warning that prolonged inaction could further strengthen the presence of terrorist and bandit groups across the region.
