Katsina Mosque Attack Death Toll Hits 32
The death toll from Tuesday’s dawn attack on worshippers at Unguwan Mantau community in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State has risen to 32.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that bandits stormed the community mosque at about 5 a.m. and opened fire on residents observing the Fajr prayer in what officials described as a reprisal assault.
Earlier reports had put the number of dead at 13. However, during a condolence visit to the community on Wednesday by a state government delegation, it was confirmed that 32 people had lost their lives, while an unverified number of residents were abducted.
Some of the kidnapped victims were later rescued following a swift air strike by the Nigerian Air Force, which disrupted the attackers’ movement.
Governor Dikko Umar Radda, who is currently on medical leave, directed the acting Governor, Mallam Faruk Jobe, to dispatch a high-powered delegation to commiserate with the families of the deceased.
The team, led by Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, was received in Karfi town by traditional leaders and grieving relatives.
Describing the killings as “deeply painful and heartbreaking,” Faskari assured the community that the state government would intensify security operations to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Our hearts are with the families who lost their loved ones in this senseless attack. This administration remains committed to working with all security agencies to prevent such tragedies in the future,” he said.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, said the incident followed a confrontation days earlier when residents of Ruwan Sanyi village ambushed bandits, killed several of them, rescued kidnapped victims, and seized weapons and motorcycles.
“The reprisal occurred while the community was observing morning prayers. The criminals started shooting sporadically inside the mosque,” Mu’azu explained.
He disclosed that military and police reinforcements had since been deployed, while aerial and ground operations were ongoing to pursue the attackers.
“The bandits often hide under crops during the rainy season to commit their evil acts. We are working with security agencies to flush them out,” the commissioner added.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
