Exclusive: NYSC Member Killed While Praying In Mosque During Ramadan Attack In Kebbi, Friends Speak
- NYSC corps member Abubakar Sadiq has been killed during Ramadan, evening prayers in a Kebbi mosque
- Friends and coursemates described Sadiq as peaceful, dedicated, and committed to serving his country
- The mosque attack occurred amid heightened Lakurawa militant activity and recent military operations in the region
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A serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Abubakar Sadiq, has been confirmed among worshippers killed after suspected terrorists attacked a mosque during evening prayers in Kebbi state.
Friends and coursemates of the deceased disclosed the development in an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, describing the young graduate as a peaceful and dedicated corps member whose life was cut short while observing prayers during the holy month of Ramadan.
Source: UGC
Sadiq, an alumnus of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, was serving in the Dadinkowa community, in the Maiyama Local Government Area of the state, at the time of the attack.
According to sources close to him, the corps member had joined other Muslim faithful at a mosque when gunmen suspected to be members of the Lakurawa terrorist group stormed the area and opened fire on worshippers.
“He was someone full of hope and committed to serving his country. Nobody imagined his service year would end this way,” one of his university coursemates told Legit.ng.
Another friend described Sadiq as humble and hardworking, noting that he had recently spoken about completing his national service and pursuing further career opportunities.
“He went to serve Nigeria and died while praying,” a grieving friend said.
“That is the hardest part for all of us to accept.”
Details of Kebbi mosque attack
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday evening, February 25, 2026, when armed attackers invaded the mosque during congregational prayers in Dadinkowa.
Earlier reports indicated that at least four worshippers were killed while five others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Witness accounts revealed that the attackers fired sporadically at worshippers, causing panic as congregants attempted to flee the scene.
Security sources said the assault was believed to be a reprisal attack following a failed ambush earlier in the week involving suspected Lakurawa fighters.
Source: Original
Attack linked to failed ambush on military convoy
Intelligence reports suggested the terrorists carried out the mosque attack after troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA reportedly neutralised five suspected Lakurawa members near Mayama Hill.
The operation allegedly targeted a military convoy during an operational tour by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, identified as Bemgha Koughna.
Security experts noted that authorities have since intensified efforts to track down those responsible for the killings, assuring residents that operations are ongoing to restore calm in the affected communities.
The latest incident has heightened concerns over increasing activities of the Lakurawa militants across parts of Nigeria’s northwest region, where communities continue to face attacks despite ongoing military operations.
For friends and family of Sadiq, however, the tragedy remains deeply personal.
Lakurawa militants kill 34 across Kebbi
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that suspected Lakurawa terrorists carried out coordinated attacks on multiple villages in Kebbi state on February 17, killing 34 people and forcing residents to flee their homes.
The deadly assaults, described by survivors as highly organised and indiscriminate, struck Mamunu, Awashaka, Masama, and other villages.
Local defences were overwhelmed as militants swept through households. Previous Lakurawa attacks, including a raid on a Customs outpost, indicate a growing threat across Kebbi and Sokoto states.
Source: Legit.ng
Ololade Olatimehin (Editorial Assistant) Olatimehin Ololade is a seasoned communications expert with over 7 years of experience, skilled in content creation, team leadership, and strategic communications, with a proven track record of success in driving engagement and growth. Spearheaded editorial operations, earning two promotions within 2 years (Giantability Media Network). Currently an Editorial Assistant at Legit.ng, covering experts' exclusive comments. Contact me at Olatimehin.ololade@corp.legit.ng or +234 802 533 3205.
Atanda Omobolaji (Kwara State Correspondent) Atanda Omobolaji is an experienced journalist with more than six years of dedicated service in metro reporting. His investigative skills and commitment to ethical journalism have allowed him to shed light on critical issues affecting communities.
