Bandits Invade Katsina Mosque, Kill 13 Worshippers During Fajr Prayers

Thirteen worshippers have been killed after gunmen attacked a mosque in Unguwan Mantau, a community in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The attack happened during the early morning (Fajr) prayers when armed bandits stormed the mosque and opened fire on people inside.

It was gathered that the assault was carried out in revenge for an earlier confrontation in which residents had overpowered the criminals.

Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday.

He explained that villagers had, two days earlier, ambushed the bandits, killing some of them, rescuing abducted victims, and seizing weapons and motorcycles.

The commissioner said the gunmen returned to retaliate before security forces were deployed to the area to restore calm.

“The incident occurred when criminal elements launched a reprisal attack on the community. The Muslim members of the community were praying in the mosque during the Fajr prayer when the criminal element started shooting sporadically in the mosque.

“The attack was in retaliation for the community’s successful defence efforts two days earlier.

“The people of Unguwan Mantau decided to lay an ambush against the bandits and killed many of them. They rescued victims taken from Ruwan Sanyi village, seized 3 motorcycles, and 2 AK-47s. The security agencies are now on the ground in Unguwan Muntau to restore normalcy”, he noted.

Mu’azu said operatives from the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Police are now on the ground and working to flush out the attackers, especially as bandits often use the cover of farmlands during the rainy season to hide.

“We are working towards bringing the bandits to book. As Government, we salute the gallantry and disposition of the people of Unguwar Mantau, and we are committed to fighting these bandits and ensuring safety across our communities.

“The State Government extends heartfelt condolences to the families affected and reaffirms its unwavering support for community-based security initiatives while working to eliminate criminal elements from the region”, he added.

KanyiDaily recalls that bandits recently kidnapped several people, including a local councillor, Buhari Daudawa, in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.