Bandits Kill 13 Worshipers In Katsina Mosque

HEAVILY armed bandits have killed 13 worshippers in an attack on a mosque in Unguwan Mantau Community, Malumfashi Local Council of Katsina State.
The happened during the early morning (Fajr) prayers when the bandits stormed the mosque and opened fire on the worshippers in what was perceived as a retaliation for the community’s successful defence efforts.
Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, in a statement on Tuesday, August 19, described the incident as “a reprisal attack undertaken by the hoodlums after residents of the area had earlier confronted the bandits.
He said the state government has already announced immediate security reinforcements and support measures following the tragic incident, assuring that security agencies were on the ground in Unguwan Muntau to restore normalcy.
According to him: “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 element started shooting sporadically in the mosque.
“The attack was in retaliation for the community’s successful defence efforts two days earlier. The people of Unguwan Mantau decided to lay an ambush against the bandits and killed many of them.
“They rescued victims taken from Ruwan Sanyi village, seized three motorcycles and two AK-47s.
“The security agencies are now on the ground in Unguwan Muntau to restore normalcy.”
Mu’azu stated that Air Component commander of the Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Police Force, have already been deployed to clear the bandits, who could be hiding under the crops to perpetrate their evil acts.
He added: “We are working towards bringing the bandits to book. As government, we salute the gallantry and 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.”