Thirteen worshippers have been killed by bandits inside a mosque in Unguwan Mantau community, Malumfashi LGA of Katsina state.
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning as worshippers observed Fajr prayer.
The Katsina state commissioner for internal security and home affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed the killings in a statement issued in Katsina on Tuesday.
He said the killing was a reprisal after community members ambushed and lynched several bandits two days ago.
Mu’azu said the villages had seized three motorcycles, 2 AK-47 rifles, and rescued victims kidnapped by the bandits from Ruwan Sanyi village.
According to the statement, “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 elements started shooting sporadically in the mosque.
“The security agencies are now on the ground in Unguwan Mantau to restore normalcy.
“Air component commander of the Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Police Force have already deployed to clear out those bandits.
“As government, we salute the gallantry disposition of the people of Unguwan 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.”
