At least 13 worshippers have been killed In Katsina State following an attack on a mosque in the Unguwan Mantau community of Malumfashi Local Government Area.
The incident occurred during the early morning Fajr prayers, when gunmen suspected to be bandits stormed the mosque and opened fire on the worshippers.
According to the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Mu’azu, the attack was a reprisal, after members of the community had earlier confronted the bandits and killed some of them in an ambush, rescuing kidnapped victims and seizing motorcycles and AK-47 rifles.
Dr Mu’azu added that security agencies have since been deployed to restore calm in the area, while the state government has announced immediate reinforcements and support measures for the affected community.
The government also extended its condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents of its continued commitment to fighting banditry and supporting community-based security efforts.