At least 13 worshippers were confirmed dead and many others sustained varying degrees of injury following an attack on the Unguwar Mantau community of Malumfashi Local Government Area, Katsina State.
The ugly incident occurred while the victims were observing morning prayer in the early hours of Tuesday.
This platform learnt that the attackers were on a reprisal following an ambush laid by members of the community against the terrorists which led to the killing of scores of them and the seizure of their weapons and operational motorcycles.
A resident of the area who pleaded anonymity told our reporter that there were concerns that the number of casualties could be higher as some were taken to hospitals in critical conditions.
“The number of those who died has risen up to 22 from what we heard,” he said.
Confirming the incident, the state Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Muazu, said it occurred when criminal elements launched a reprisal 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 commissioner said the state government had immediately sent security reinforcements and support measures to the affected community.
“The attack was in retaliation for the community’s successful defence efforts two days earlier. The people of Unguwan Mantau decided to lie in ambush for the bandits and killed many of them. They rescued victims taken from Ruwan Sanyi village, seized 3 motorcycles, and 2 AK 47.
“The security agencies are now on the ground in Unguwan Muntau to restore normalcy.
“Air component commanders of the Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Police Force have already deployed to clear those bandits because during the rainy season, bandits hide under the crops to perpetrate their evil acts. We are working towards bringing the bandits to book.
“As government, we salute the gallantry 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,” the commissioner said.
According to report, there are growing concerns over resurgence of bandit attacks in different local government areas of the state, particularly during the farming season.
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