At least 13 worshippers were gunned down during early morning prayers on Tuesday when armed bandits stormed a mosque in Unguwan Mantau community, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina state.
The attackers opened fire on the congregation while they observed the dawn (Fajr) prayer, sending shockwaves through the rural settlement.
The Katsina state commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed the incident in a statement describing it as a reprisal assault by criminal gangs.
According to him, the community had previously resisted bandit activities and inflicted losses on the attackers.
“Two days ago, the people of Unguwan Mantau laid an ambush against the bandits, killed many of them, rescued abducted victims from Ruwan Sanyi village, and recovered three motorcycles and two AK-47 rifles,” he said. Dr. Mu’azu explained that the bandits returned in retaliation, choosing the mosque as their target to maximise casualties. He noted that security forces were swiftly deployed to the area following the massacre.
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“The Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base and the Nigerian Police have moved in to track down the perpetrators. During the rainy season, these bandits often hide under crops to launch attacks, but we are determined to bring them to justice,” he said.
The commissioner paid tribute to the bravery of the residents, saying their defiance against the criminals was commendable. He assured the community that government would stand firmly with them and sustain ongoing efforts to restore peace across Katsina.
