Thirteen worshippers were killed in the early hours of Tuesday when armed bandits stormed a mosque in Unguwan Mantau, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The attackers, who invaded during the dawn (Fajr) prayers, opened fire on the congregation in what Authorities described as a reprisal strike against the community’s earlier resistance to bandit activities.
In response, the Katsina State Government announced the deployment of additional security forces to Malumfashi Local Government Area following a deadly reprisal attack by suspected bandits.
Nasir Mu’azu, the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, confirmed the incident while addressing journalists on Tuesday.
He explained that the attack was triggered by the villagers’ recent successful ambush against the criminal group.
“Two days earlier, the people of Unguwan Mantau laid an ambush against the bandits, killed several of them, rescued abducted victims from Ruwan Sanyi village, and recovered three motorcycles as well as two AK-47 rifles,” Mu’azu said.
He noted that the bandits returned to the community in retaliation, storming the mosque during prayers and shooting sporadically at worshippers, leaving 13 people dead.
Mu’azu also disclosed that the State Government had ordered immediate security reinforcements, including deployments from the Nigerian Army, the Air Component Commander of the Forward Operating Base, and the Nigerian Police Force.
“Security agencies are now on the ground in Unguwan Mantau to restore calm. The deployment also includes aerial and ground operations to flush out the criminals, particularly as the rainy season provides them cover under the crops to carry out their evil acts,” he said.
While condemning the attack, the commissioner praised the courage of the community for resisting the bandits and vowed that the government would not relent in supporting grassroots defence initiatives.
“As Government, we salute the gallantry of the people of Unguwan Mantau. We are committed to fighting these bandits and ensuring safety across our communities,” Mu’azu declared.
The Katsina State Government also extended its condolences to the bereaved families and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to bring the perpetrators to justice.
