A new jihadist group known as the “Lakurawas” have reportedly taken over some communities in five local government areas in Sokoto State where they have imposed Islamic laws, taxes and levies.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>

Ripples Nigeria had reported how the state Deputy Governor, Idris Gobir, had warned of the emergence of the deadly and dangerous terrorist group, calling on concerted security efforts to dislodge them.

Gobir, while receiving participants of Course 33 of the National Defence College, Abuja, who were on a study tour in the state, had said the group which describes itself as a faith-based idealist sect, but possessed sophisticated weapons and carrying out criminal activities in about five local government areas of the state.

An Intel report has however, identified that the heavily armed ‘Lakurawas’ have so far taken over Tangaza, Gudu, Ilela, Silame and Binji local councils of the state where they have imposed their own rules.

Some residents of the affected communities who spoke with journalists on Wednesday, expressed deep concerns over the presence of the heavily armed Islamic preachers, many of whom are believed to be foreigners.

“The Lakurawas have set up bases in the affected local government areas, moving from community to community and preaching against western civilization and democratic system of government, similar to the ideology of Boko Haram terrorists,” one resident said.

“We have noticed that the majority of the members of the new Islamic sect are from the Sahel countries of Mali and Niger Republic.

“They imposed strict Islamic laws, luring young people into the fold with business capital. They also collect taxes and levies.

“During sermons, they’ll tell us they don’t recognize the Nigerian government and its security forces,” another resident said.

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Following Nigerian President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s awarding of the new rank of Lieutenant General to Major General Olufemi Oluyede, the acting Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army responded on social media.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>

Sokoto is one of states in the Northern region plagued by criminals known as bandits who raid and loot villages, kill residents and burn houses to the ground.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>

A woman identified as Hamdiya Sidi has been arrested for allegedly “embarrassing” Sokoto State governor, Ahmad Aliyu, on social media.

SaharaReporters gathered that Hamdiya was arrested during the weekend on the orders of the state government.

She was subsequently arraigned secretly on Monday without having access to a lawyer nor family members, a source said.

The woman had in a video lamented about insecurity in the state.

Hamdiya had also demanded an end to the incessant killings in the state by gunmen.

Sokoto is one of states in the Northern region plagued by criminals known as bandits who raid and loot villages, kill residents and burn houses to the ground.

Last week, bandits slaughtered four farmers in Isa local government areas of state.

“Our sister was arrested by the Sokoto state government, all because she spoke about the insecurities in Wurno Local Government and Sabo Birnin Local Government,” a relative of the detainee told SaharaReporters.

“We’re appealing to the governor and the Commissioner of Police to release our daughter.”

Another source added, “She was arrested on Sunday for calling out the governor on the lack of security in her town in a video. The young woman lamenting about insecurities in the state went viral on social media last week.

“After she was arrested, the secretly arraigned her in court on Monday for allegedly embarrassing the state governor. Her town is one of the areas that are suffering from killings by bandits.

Gombe has joined in the harassment of social media and opposition voices over criticism of their governors.

Governors across the country are increasingly targeting opponents and social media users for allegedly insulting and embarrassing them.

Last Wednesday, a Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Makurdi, ordered the remand of one 35-year-old Paul Gyenger at a custodial centre in Makurdi for allegedly calling the Benue State governor a womaniser.

Gyenger was accused of insulting Governor Hyacinth Alia on social media, referring to him as a “chronic womaniser.”

The police charged him with cyberstalking and defamation of character after a complaint was filed by the governor’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC), ASP Ver Ingyatu.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>