At least 13 worshippers were gunned down during early morning (Fajr) prayers when bandits invaded a mosque in Unguwan Mantau village, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Reports indicate the attackers stormed the mosque around 5 a.m. and opened fire indiscriminately on the congregation.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Muazu, confirmed the incident in a statement in Katsina.
According to him, “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 and seized 3 motorcycles and 2 AK-47s.
“The security agencies are now on the ground in Unguwan Muntau to restore normalcy.
“Air component commander of the Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Police Force have already deployed to clear those bandits because during the rainy season, bandits hide under the crops to perpetrate their evil acts. 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.”
Katsina, home state of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has remained a hotspot of deadly banditry in Nigeria’s North-West, where armed groups persist with abductions, extortion, and raids despite ongoing military operations.
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