In a devastating incident on Tuesday morning, armed assailants opened fire on worshippers gathered for dawn prayers at a mosque in Unguwan Mantau, a village in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The attack claimed the lives of 13 individuals.
The assault occurred around 5 a.m. during the Fajr prayer, when gunmen reportedly stormed the mosque and began shooting indiscriminately at the congregation.
Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, Katsina State’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, confirmed the tragedy and described it as a retaliatory strike.
According to him, the attack followed a recent confrontation in which local residents ambushed a group of bandits, resulting in the deaths of several criminals, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the recovery of weapons.
“The victims were observing prayers when the criminals started shooting sporadically,” Mu’azu stated.
He added that security forces from the Nigerian Army, Police, and Air Force had been deployed to stabilize the area.
Mu’azu also noted that during the rainy season, bandits often exploit the cover provided by tall crops to carry out surprise attacks.
The state government praised the bravery of the villagers who have stood up to criminal gangs but emphasized the need for stronger collaboration with security agencies to prevent further violence.
Additional reinforcements have been promised to protect vulnerable farming communities.
Katsina State, which is the birthplace of former President Muhammadu Buhari, continues to grapple with widespread insecurity.
The region has been plagued by banditry, mass kidnappings, and violent raids, despite ongoing military efforts to restore peace.
