At least 15 people were killed and several others wounded when new insurgent group Lakura attacked a rural community in Nigerias northwest Kebbi state after stealing livestock, residents said.
Nigeria has been grappling with a long-running insurgency in its northeast, primarily driven by armed group Boko Haram and its offshoot Islamic State West Africa Province ISWAP.
Lakura emerged after the July 2023 coup in Niger from herding communities along the Nigeria-Niger border who had gradually turned militant.
Witnesses said the insurgents arrived on motorbikes in the village of Mera in Kebbis Augie local government area on Friday and attempted to seize cattle from the villagers.
When residents resisted, gunfire erupted, leaving 15 dead and forcing others to flee. Two insurgents also died, the witnesses said.
