Residents of Zugurma community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State have expressed growing concern after armed members of the Lakurawa terrorist group reportedly entered the area and announced a series of social and religious directives for locals to follow.

According to community sources, the incident occurred on Sunday when heavily armed fighters arrived in broad daylight and gathered residents for what witnesses described as an extended preaching session. During the gathering, the group allegedly introduced new rules affecting family life, marriage practices, and community conduct.

The development has heightened fears among residents who believe the armed group is attempting to strengthen its influence across rural communities within the region.

Sources familiar with the incident said the terrorists remained in the community for several hours and addressed residents openly without interference. One of the directives reportedly announced by the group was that girls above the age of 15 should be married. The fighters were also said to have fixed the bride price at ₦1,500.

Community members described the directives as troubling and warned that such actions could signal a broader attempt by the group to establish authority over local populations.

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Residents noted that Zugurma occupies an important strategic position because it lies along a major transportation route linking Borgu to Mokwa. The road serves as a critical connection for people traveling between the area and other parts of the country.

Locals fear that any sustained presence of armed groups in the community could threaten movement, economic activities, and access to neighboring regions. Some residents stressed that the situation should attract urgent attention from security agencies due to the importance of the route.

The latest reports come amid increasing concerns about the activities of Lakurawa fighters in parts of north-western and north-central Nigeria. Community members claim that the group has been expanding its presence in forested areas and remote settlements, often combining armed operations with religious messaging aimed at gaining influence among vulnerable populations.

Witnesses also recalled a recent movement of armed men believed to be associated with the group. According to accounts from residents, hundreds of motorcycles carrying armed individuals reportedly traveled from Kebbi State toward Borgu. Observers estimated that the convoy involved a significant number of fighters moving through the region.

The reported movement further intensified fears among local communities already grappling with insecurity and limited security coverage.

Residents warned that several villages located within the vast forest belt surrounding Borgu remain vulnerable to attacks and infiltration. They argued that the difficult terrain provides opportunities for armed groups to operate and move across state boundaries with relative ease.

Community leaders emphasized that the challenge extends beyond a single local government area. They noted that the wider region, which includes parts of Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi states, contains extensive forests that are difficult to monitor effectively.

Many residents have therefore called for stronger security operations and a coordinated response to prevent armed groups from establishing deeper roots within local communities.

The situation has renewed discussions about the security challenges facing rural settlements across the country, particularly in areas where difficult geography and limited infrastructure complicate law enforcement efforts.

For now, residents of Zugurma and neighboring communities remain anxious about what they describe as a steadily evolving security threat. They continue to urge authorities to act swiftly to restore confidence and prevent further expansion of armed groups in the region.