"How They Killed 23 Worshipers": Survivors Speak Out after Deadly Bandits Attack at Katsina Mosque
- Armed bandits attacked a mosque in Gidan Mantau, Katsina, killing at least 13–27 worshippers during morning prayers in a suspected reprisal strike
- Witnesses said the massacre followed a community ambush on bandits days earlier, prompting government vows of justice and heightened security operations
- Acting Governor Faruk Jobe appealed to President Tinubu for urgent federal intervention, stressing the need for stronger security to protect Katsina residents
Katsina state - Bandits have attacked a mosque in Gidan Mantau, Katsina state, killing 23 worshipers and leaving many injured during morning prayers.
Survivors of a brutal attack on the mosque described how armed bandits stormed their community at dawn.
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According to witnesses, the attackers struck around 5 a.m. on Tuesday, opening fire on congregants shortly after prayers began.
As reported by Daily Trust, a survivor said:
“They heard the sound of a gunshot while praying. They (the attackers) killed some people and injured others."
While community members reported at least 23 deaths, with fears the toll could rise to 27, the Katsina state government confirmed that 13 people were killed, with several others injured.
Attack linked to reprisal mission
Local sources revealed that the massacre was a retaliatory strike.
Days earlier, villagers had ambushed the bandits, killing some, rescuing abducted victims, and seizing weapons and motorcycles, Vanguard reported.
A resident, who asked not to be named, said many victims were taken to hospital in critical condition.
“The number of those who died has risen to 27 from what we heard regarding those taken to the hospital,” the resident said.
Dr Nasir Muazu, Katsina state commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, confirmed the reprisal motive.
“The Muslim members of the community were praying in the mosque during the Fajr prayer when the criminal elements started shooting sporadically.
“The attack was in retaliation for the community’s successful defence efforts two days earlier," he explained.
Government promises justice, security reinforcements
Commissioner Muazu said security forces had been deployed immediately and would intensify efforts to flush out criminal gangs hiding in farmlands during the rainy season.
“As a government, we salute the gallant disposition of the people of Unguwar Mantau, and we are committed to fighting these bandits and ensuring safety across our communities,” he said.
He added:
“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.”
Acting governor calls for urgent federal support
Source: Facebook
With Governor Dikko Radda on medical leave, his deputy, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, who is acting governor, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene urgently.
“We respectfully request the president to give matching orders to all security agencies to bring a decisive end to these unprovoked attacks on peaceful communities.
“The people of Katsina State deserve to live in safety and pursue their livelihoods without fear," he said.
He added:
“Our farmers, traders, and families should not have to live in constant fear. We need our president’s direct intervention to mobilise all necessary resources and provide the security architecture our state requires.”
The acting governor, while thanking security agencies already on the ground, pledged the state’s continued cooperation with federal forces to restore peace and stability.
Bandits attack Sokoto mosque
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that armed bandits stormed a mosque in Marnona village, Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State during early morning prayers on Tuesday.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers opened fire on worshippers, killing one person and injuring several others.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
