The Sokoto State Government has ordered security agencies to intensify operations against the Lakurawa terrorist group following a fresh attack that reportedly left 32 residents and four soldiers dead.
The government also said 13 Lakurawa fighters were killed after residents of affected communities confronted the attackers during the incident.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Office of the Special Adviser on Security Matters, the government commiserated with the families of the victims, the Nigerian Armed Forces and residents of the affected communities.
It described the four soldiers killed in the attack as “gallant” personnel who paid the supreme price in the service of the nation, while commending residents for confronting the attackers.
The government prayed for the repose of those killed and the speedy recovery of those injured, while directing security agencies to intensify operations against the attackers and bring those responsible to justice.
It also said it had activated emergency medical and relief assistance for victims, injured persons and residents displaced by the violence.
The government disclosed that a high-level delegation led by the Deputy Governor would visit the affected communities to commiserate with residents, assess the extent of the destruction and identify areas requiring immediate intervention.
It said collaboration among security agencies, community vigilantes and local government councils would be strengthened to improve intelligence gathering, early warning mechanisms and rapid response to security threats.
The government urged residents of affected and neighbouring communities to remain calm and vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
It also said it was engaging the federal government and relevant security authorities to increase security presence and strengthen coordinated operations against the Lakurawa threat.
The government assured residents that the protection of lives and property remained its highest priority and said it would continue working with security agencies to protect communities and restore normalcy.
Sokoto govt orders intensified operations after fresh Lakurawa attack