Suspected Lakurawa gunmen attack Church in Kebbi, many worshippers abducted

A tragic wave of violence swept through Zagami village in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State on Sunday, as gunmen suspected to be members of the dreaded Lakurawa gang launched a horrific attack on a local church during morning worship.

Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of fear and chaos as the heavily armed attackers arrived on motorcycles and stormed the church, opening fire on worshippers without warning. Congregants were forced to flee in panic, seeking safety from the sudden and brutal onslaught.

Several worshippers were reportedly abducted during the raid, though the exact number of those taken remains unclear at this time.

One of the survivors, Mr. Ezekiel Danjuma, narrowly escaped the ordeal and described the harrowing experience.

He said the gunmen came in large numbers, surrounding the church before launching their deadly assault.

“They came suddenly, in large numbers, and before we knew what was happening, they had already encircled the entire church,” Danjuma said.

At the time of filing this report, the exact number of abducted individuals had not been confirmed, and security operatives were yet to make any official statement regarding the incident.

The attack adds to the growing wave of insecurity in parts of Northern Nigeria, where armed groups have repeatedly targeted communities, schools, and places of worship.

Residents are calling for urgent intervention from both state and federal authorities to restore peace and ensure the safe return of those taken.

“It was terrifying. They came shooting and forced their way into the church. Some of us managed to escape through the back, but they took many people with them,” Danjuma said.

The incident has sparked fear and mourning in Zagami, a quiet farming community in the Kebbi South Senatorial District, which comprises seven local government areas: Danko/Wasagu, Fakai, Ngaski, Sakaba, Shanga, Yauri, and Zuru.

As of the time of filing this report, police authorities were yet to issue an official statement.

Residents are, however, calling on the Kebbi State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abductees and strengthen security in the region to prevent further attacks.