A devastating attack occurred late Sunday night, December 23, 2024, in Goumki, a locality in Yelou commune, Gaya department, Dosso region, resulting in the deaths of three police officers from the Niger Republic. Heavily armed assailants stormed a police post in the area, swiftly overwhelming the officers before retreating, according to security expert Zagazola Makama.
Although no official claim of responsibility has been made, the Lukurawa group is strongly suspected of being behind the assault. This newly formed Jihadist group has been known to impose taxes and levies on communities in Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria. Their activities have raised concerns among authorities and residents, who report that the group’s members are mostly foreigners from Sahel countries, including Mali and Niger Republic.
The Lukurawa group’s ideology is similar to that of Boko Haram terrorists, preaching against western civilization and democratic systems of government. They have established bases in several local government areas, including Tangaza, Gudu, Ilela, Silame, and Binji, and have been accused of imposing strict Islamic laws and luring young people into their fold with business capital.
Sokoto State deputy governor, Idris Muhammad Gobir, has expressed concerns over the group’s activities, stating that the majority of their members are from the Sahel countries. The attack on the police post in Goumki has raised fears of further violence in the region.
