Bandits Kill 13 Worshippers in Katsina Mosque Attack

At least 13 people have been killed after armed bandits stormed a mosque in Unguwan Mantau community, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, during early morning (Fajr) prayers.

The attackers, who were heavily armed, opened fire on worshippers inside the mosque. The State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, confirmed the tragedy in a statement on Tuesday, describing it as “a reprisal attack undertaken by the hoodlums after residents of the area had earlier confronted the bandits.”

According to Mu’azu, the community had successfully fought back against bandits just two days earlier, killing several of them, rescuing abducted victims, and seizing weapons.

“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 said.

The Commissioner explained that reinforcements had been deployed immediately. “Air component commander of the Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Police Force, have already been deployed to clear the bandits, as during the rainy season, bandits, according to him, hide under the crops to perpetrate their evil acts,” he noted.

He assured residents that government and security forces are working to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“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.