Residents of Zugurma community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State are facing growing fear after armed members of the Lakurawa terrorist group reportedly imposed new social directives during a visit to the area.
According to community sources, the group arrived in broad daylight on Sunday and spent several hours addressing residents. During the gathering, the armed men allegedly ordered that girls above the age of 15 must be married off and fixed bride price at N1,500.
Locals said the directives were presented alongside religious preaching, raising concerns that the group is attempting to establish control and influence over communities in the Borgu axis.
Residents described Zugurma as a strategically important location because it lies along the major road linking Borgu to Mokwa, a key route connecting the area to other parts of the country.
The latest development has deepened fears that Lakurawa fighters are expanding their presence across forest communities in Niger State and nearby areas. Community members said armed groups have been moving more openly through the region, with some residents alleging that large convoys of gunmen had previously crossed into Borgu from neighbouring states.
Locals warned that many rural settlements in the area are increasingly exposed to armed attacks and extremist influence, while accusing authorities of not doing enough to halt the worsening security situation.
Borgu, one of Nigeria’s largest local government areas by landmass, shares difficult-to-police forest terrain with parts of Kwara and Kebbi states, making the region particularly vulnerable to the activities of armed groups.
