Thirteen worshippers were shot dead inside a mosque in Katsina State on Tuesday after bandits invaded Unguwan Mantau community in Malumfashi Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred during the early morning Fajr prayer, left the community shaken as gunmen opened fire on those gathered for worship, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Muazu, disclosed the incident in a statement issued in Katsina, News Agency of Nigeria reports.
“The incident occurred when criminal elements launched a reprisal attack on the community,” he said.
“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 further revealed that the attack was in retaliation for the community’s successful defence efforts two days ago.
According to Muazu, people of Unguwan Mantau decided to lay an ambush against the bandits and killed many of them.
Following the tragic incident, the security agencies, he said, had been deployed to the area to restore normalcy.
Mr Muazu said, “Air component commander of the Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Police Force have already been 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.”
He stated that the state government remains fully committed to supporting community-based security initiatives while actively working to eradicate criminal elements in the region.
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