Terror in Kebbi: Suspected Lakurawa Bandits Attack Church in Zagani, Abduct Female Worshippers During Sunday Service

 

In what has now become a terrifying trend across parts of northern Nigeria, yet another peaceful community has come under siege. On Sunday, May 18, 2025, gunmen suspected to be members of the notorious Lakurawa bandit group launched a brazen attack on a church in Zagani village, located in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, abducting an unknown number of female worshippers during a church service.

This deeply unsettling incident adds to the growing list of banditry and insecurity in Northern Nigeria, particularly in states like Kebbi, Zamfara, Niger, Kaduna, and Sokoto, which have witnessed rising cases of kidnappings, attacks on rural communities, and displacement of residents.

How the Attack Happened: Worship Turned Into Chaos

According to Hussaini Aliyu Bena, the Chairman of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, the attack occurred during a morning worship session, catching the victims off guard in a moment of spiritual devotion. The attackers stormed the village on motorcycles, wielding sophisticated weapons and shooting sporadically to instill fear.

“We are yet to get their names due to poor network in the area. So far, no contact has been established with anyone regarding the victims,” — Hussaini Aliyu Bena

Zagani village, a rural community located just a few kilometres from the Zamfara-Kebbi border, has become increasingly vulnerable due to its proximity to regions heavily plagued by armed groups.

Victims Unaccounted For, Communications Down

The exact number of abducted worshippers remains unclear as telecommunication infrastructure in the area is poor, making it difficult to reach locals and gather detailed reports. The lack of connectivity has not only delayed rescue efforts but also made it hard for security agencies to establish real-time coordination.

The Kebbi State Government, through its Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, has confirmed that about 10 female worshippers were taken. He also noted that several other worshippers sustained injuries during the terrifying incident.

Zamfara-Kebbi Border: A Growing Security Vacuum

The chairman of the local government, Mr. Bena, highlighted a disturbing new development—an allegation that the bandits have possibly entered into an agreement with the Zamfara State Government, prompting them to redirect their criminal activities toward Kebbi.

“Bandits—believed to have reached an agreement with the Zamfara State Government—now view Kebbi as a soft target for attacks and abductions,” — Hussaini Aliyu Bena

This statement has raised serious concerns among security analysts and local stakeholders. If bandit groups have indeed been incentivized or left unchecked in Zamfara, then Kebbi and other neighbouring states may find themselves overwhelmed as criminals migrate across porous borders.

Kebbi's Struggle With Security Deployment

Mr. Bena lamented that efforts by the Kebbi State Government to deploy military personnel to border villages last year were interrupted by harsh weather conditions, particularly during the rainy season when roads become impassable. He assured, however, that new strategies have been developed for a large-scale deployment of military forces to protect vulnerable border communities.

“Fresh arrangements had been concluded for a large-scale deployment to secure the border communities,” — Hussaini Aliyu Bena

This could not come at a more critical time, as farmers, worshippers, and traders in the region are increasingly exposed to danger. Villages like Dan Kade and Yar Tasha, once under siege, have reportedly returned to normalcy thanks to an increased military presence. According to Bena, this has allowed displaced residents to return to their farmlands, and camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in those areas have since been shut down.

Unanswered Questions: Where Are the Abducted Women?

At the time of this report, the names of the abducted women and the name of the church where the attack occurred have not been released. Mr. Bena assured that such information would be made public as rescue operations progress and as more accurate data becomes available.

This lack of clarity is not new in rural attacks. With very few reporters on ground, poor connectivity, and government agencies often overwhelmed, many abductions go unreported or under-reported.

Calls for National Intervention and Policy Reform

The attack has triggered outrage among Nigerians, particularly on social media, where many are calling for a comprehensive review of the country’s security architecture. Many believe that the Northwest region is becoming an unchecked breeding ground for criminal groups due to the absence of consistent, proactive governance.

Security analysts argue that unless the Federal Government of Nigeria invests heavily in border security, rural policing, and intelligence gathering, attacks like these will continue to escalate.

There have also been fresh calls for the decentralization of Nigeria’s policing system, with advocates pushing for state police forces that can respond more quickly to local threats.

The Bigger Picture: Religious Spaces No Longer Safe

The invasion of a church during Sunday worship sends a chilling message: even sacred religious spaces are no longer safe havens. This marks a disturbing shift in the psychology of armed groups who are now willing to target women and faith-based gatherings, further deepening the trauma within affected communities.

The abduction of female worshippers also raises fears of possible sexual violence, forced marriages, or ransom demands, all of which have been recorded in past incidents involving similar groups.

Conclusion: A Plea for Action

This latest attack in Zagani village must not be allowed to fade from public memory. It is a tragic reminder of the ongoing human cost of insecurity in Nigeria, especially in the northern regions where rural communities are often left to fend for themselves.

As families await word on the fate of their loved ones, one thing is clear: without swift and decisive action from both state and federal authorities, this cycle of violence will continue—and innocent Nigerians, particularly women and children, will keep paying the price.

The story is still developing, and NaijaRush will continue to provide updates as new information emerges. Stay tuned.