Tension As Terrorists Impose Marriage Rules, Fix Bride Price at N1,500 for Girls 15 and Above
Residents of Zugurma community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State have alleged that armed members of the Lakurawa terrorist group visited the area on Sunday and announced new social and religious directives, including an order that girls aged 15 and above must be married and that bride price be fixed at N1,500.
According to community sources, the armed men arrived in broad daylight and spent several hours addressing residents while openly preaching their ideology.
Sources said the group used the gathering to introduce what it described as rules that community members were expected to obey.
“They stayed in the community for hours preaching to people. During the meeting, they said any girl above 15 years must be married off. They also announced that bride price, known as sadaki, should be fixed at N1,500,” a resident told reporters.
The directives have sparked concern among residents, who fear the group is attempting to establish authority and extend its influence across communities in the Borgu axis.
Residents noted that Zugurma occupies a strategic position along the major road linking Borgu to Mokwa, making developments in the area particularly significant.
“Zugurma is on the only good road connecting Borgu to Mokwa. The road from New Bussa to Mokwa is the route through which people in Borgu connect with other parts of the country. What is happening here should concern everyone,” a source said.
The incident has further heightened fears that Lakurawa fighters are expanding their operations across forest communities in Borgu and neighbouring areas.
Residents recalled that several weeks ago, hundreds of armed men suspected to be members of the group were seen moving from Kebbi State into Borgu on motorcycles.
Witnesses claimed the convoy consisted of hundreds of motorcycles, each carrying at least two armed men.
“A large convoy of armed men came from Kebbi. There were hundreds of motorcycles and possibly over a thousand fighters. They moved through the area without resistance,” another resident alleged.
Community members warned that many rural settlements and forest communities in Borgu are becoming increasingly vulnerable to armed groups, raising concerns that the area could become isolated if urgent security measures are not implemented.
“Many communities in the hinterland are already dealing with bandits and jihadist groups. If nothing is done, Borgu could become completely cut off,” a resident said.
Locals also accused authorities of not responding adequately despite repeated warnings about the worsening security situation.
Borgu Local Government Area is one of the largest local government areas in Nigeria by landmass. Community leaders noted that when combined with Kaiama and Baruten Local Government Areas of Kwara State and parts of Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State, the region forms a vast forest belt that presents significant security challenges.
“The forests are massive, and that is why we keep speaking out. Every day of inaction gives these groups more room to expand. We have little left except our voices and prayers,” a resident lamented.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the activities of the Lakurawa group in parts of north-western and north-central Nigeria, with residents alleging that the group is using religious preaching as a means of expanding its influence in remote communities.
