The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), Nigeria Chapter, on Sunday, called for action and presented solutions regarding the recent emergence of a sect known as Lakurawa in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Kano, the Country Director, Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu alerts the public, encourages governmental action, and offers practical steps toward restoring peace and order.
The statement reads;
Understanding the Lakurawa Situation
The Lakurawa sect has recently surfaced in the northwest of Nigeria, primarily in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states. Reports indicate that the group has been recruiting mainly youth and individuals facing economic hardship, using social media and local community networks to gain followers.
Their actions have raised concerns about public safety, as they are reportedly involved in violent activities that disrupt community peace and jeopardize lives and property.
Threat to Security and Stability
The emergence of the Lakurawa sect is a critical issue, as it threatens the safety, stability, and economic progress of affected areas. They are reported to engage in criminal activities, including attacks on civilians, confrontations with law enforcement, and disruptive actions affecting local businesses and agricultural productivity.
Their presence has created fear and tension within communities and highlights an urgent need for strategic and unified intervention.
IHRC’s Call for Collaborative Solutions
In light of these developments, we call on the federal and state governments, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, and civil society to work together in combating this issue.
The IHRC recommends the following steps to tackle the Lakurawa threat and ensure a peaceful and secure environment:
- To effectively counter the activities of the Lakurawa sect, it is essential that security agencies strengthen intelligence gathering and implement advanced surveillance strategies. By monitoring their activities closely, law enforcement can act promptly to disrupt their operations before they escalate.
- Establishing dedicated task forces, particularly trained to address violent groups and insurgencies, will be vital in addressing Lakurawa activities without causing additional tension within affected communities.
- Community leaders are key to achieving peace. They are encouraged to educate their communities on the dangers of joining such groups, promoting messages of unity, and encouraging people to report any suspicious activities.
- To reduce the appeal of groups like Lakurawa, youth empowerment programs must be prioritized. Vocational training, job creation, and economic support initiatives can provide alternatives that discourage individuals from joining groups with criminal tendencies.
- Authorities should intensify security efforts in communities identified as high-risk areas, ensuring protection for residents, businesses, and agricultural activities.
- To build public awareness, we recommend engaging with media outlets to educate communities on the potential dangers of affiliating with groups like Lakurawa. Broadcasts should highlight the benefits of law-abiding citizenship and the importance of communal harmony.
- Given the persistent security challenges in the region, the IHRC advocates for establishing a special agency focused on the prevention and control of insurgent activities, dedicated to providing protection, relief, and support to affected communities.
- Tackling this issue requires the cooperation of both federal and state governments. We call for joint task forces, sharing of resources, and regular consultations to address and contain the Lakurawa threat.
- Targeted assistance should be provided to families and communities directly impacted by Lakurawa activities, including economic support and access to essential services, to prevent further vulnerability.
- The IHRC recommends creating dialogue programs that encourage collaboration between community members and authorities. This can help foster mutual understanding, prevent alienation, and build trust among residents.
Commitment to a Peaceful and Secure Society
“The IHRC is dedicated to supporting the government and working with local communities in promoting the protection of human rights and safety.
“We recognize that these issues require swift and coordinated action, and we urge every stakeholder—from policymakers to community members—to play their part in restoring peace in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi.
“We believe that through collaboration, determination, and a commitment to justice and peace, we can overcome the challenges posed by the Lakurawa sect and protect the future of our communities.
“The IHRC will continue to work tirelessly toward achieving a Nigeria where every citizen feels secure, valued, and empowered.”
