- 13 worshippers killed during dawn prayer in Katsina mosque attack
- Incident linked to earlier clash where villagers killed bandits and rescued kidnap victims
- Security forces have been deployed to pursue attackers and restore order
At least 13 worshippers have been confirmed dead after armed men attacked a mosque in Unguwan Mantau, a village in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, during the early morning prayers on Tuesday.
The incident, according to Eko Hot Blog happened around dawn as Muslim faithful gathered for the Fajr prayer.
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According to the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, the deadly assault was a retaliation after locals in the area reportedly overpowered and killed several suspected bandits two days earlier. The villagers were said to have seized two AK-47 rifles, three motorcycles, and rescued some kidnapped persons from the nearby Ruwan Sanyi community.
Mu’azu explained that the attackers stormed the mosque while prayers were ongoing and opened fire on the congregation.
“This was a retaliatory strike by armed criminals. The villagers had earlier confronted them, seized weapons and rescued kidnapped victims. Unfortunately, the criminals returned in the early hours and started shooting randomly during the Fajr prayer,” he said.
Security forces, including the Army and Police, have been deployed to Unguwan Mantau to restore calm and pursue the attackers.
The commissioner added that the air component of the Forward Operating Base has also joined the operation, stating, “Troops and law enforcement are now on ground to flush out the perpetrators.”
He also commended the bravery of the community members, assuring them of the government’s continued backing.
“We appreciate the courage of the Unguwan Mantau residents. The government remains committed to protecting lives and supporting all community efforts to secure the region,” he added.
The government also extended its condolences to the bereaved families and promised ongoing efforts to tackle criminality in the state.
