A newly identified terrorist group calling itself “Mahmuda” has issued a threat to communities in Kwara State, warning of an impending violent attack on residents of Duruma village and the entire Borgu Kingdom, SaharaReporters can exclusively report.
This latest warning was sent in an audio message to residents of Duruma village by the group’s leader. The message, recorded in Hausa, was obtained by SaharaReporters on Monday morning through frightened locals who said they received it via mobile communication channels.
In the chilling recording, the group’s leader condemned the formation of local vigilante units and accused the Emir of Duruma and his people of instigating the crisis.
“This is a message; a warning to the people of Duruma village, the Emir of Duruma, and the illiterate vigilantes who are causing the chaos. Their actions pose a significant danger to their lives, and this crisis serves as a forewarning of what may happen in the future,” the voice stated.
He added that since their arrival in the Borgu kingdom five years ago, they had lived peacefully and avoided confrontation. However, he claimed that recent developments had forced them to prepare for violent retaliation.
“Since our arrival in the Borgu kingdom five years ago, we have met people behaving like animals with little regard for each other’s lives.
“Since our arrival in Duruma over five years ago, we have not hurt anyone or carried arms against anybody.
“What are you people benefiting from the government? Those who are funding you, what have you benefited from them?
“However, since you people now prefer crisis to peace, we promise you people that you will get the crisis,” he declared.
In a direct threat to residents, he warned them to evacuate the community or face death.
“And whoever knows they are not ready for the battle should immediately pack their properties and leave the community.
“We heard that the people of Duruma are now recruiting local vigilantes. Whoever allowed their child to join the vigilantes or contributed money for buying bullets has shown that they are fighting us and they should prepare for us as well.
“Whoever doesn’t want to fight us should pack their properties and leave. Stop going to the market, and in fact, relocate from the entire kingdom; otherwise, we will kill everyone we see.”
The speaker also sternly warned smugglers operating in the region, accusing them of aiding security efforts.
“And for the smugglers, you people should look for alternative roads. If not, we will kill everyone we see on the road. And if you think we are lying when preparing to pass, come prepared with your white burial garment,” the voice said.
This comes barely two days after SaharaReporters reported that the terrorist group launched an attack on Duruma village (Karonji) in the Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident occurred on Friday evening, multiple sources told SaharaReporters.
It was learnt that on arrival at the village on motorcycles, members of the group started shooting indiscriminately.
The terrorists also burnt a vehicle and some motorcycles belonging to a local vigilante group in the community