Armed members of the Lakurawa group reportedly issued directives to residents of Zugurma community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State during a visit on Sunday, ordering that girls aged 15 and above must be married off while fixing bride price at N1,500.
According to community sources, the armed men arrived openly in broad daylight and spent several hours addressing residents and preaching their ideology.
Reports had earlier indicated that Lakurawa fighters had been moving freely across communities in Borgu, allegedly threatening residents who resisted their teachings.
Residents said the group used the gathering to announce what it described as new rules for the community.
“They stayed for hours preaching. They said any girl above 15 must be married off and bride price should be N1,500,” a source said.
Residents of Zugurma described the development as part of an attempt by the armed group to impose control over local communities.
The area is strategically located along the major road linking Borgu to Mokwa, a key route connecting the region to other parts of the country.
Witnesses also recalled that weeks earlier, suspected Lakurawa fighters numbering in the hundreds were seen moving from Kebbi State into Borgu on motorcycles, with reports alleging that convoys of armed men operated freely without resistance.
Residents warned that several rural and forest communities in Borgu are becoming increasingly vulnerable as armed groups expand their presence across the region, raising fears of worsening insecurity if urgent action is not taken.
Borgu Local Government Area, one of Nigeria’s largest by landmass, shares extensive forest boundaries with Kaiama and Baruten in Kwara State, as well as parts of Bagudo in Kebbi State — areas residents say are difficult to secure because of their terrain.
Community members also accused authorities of failing to respond adequately despite repeated warnings, alleging that the influence of armed groups in the area continues to grow.
