Thirteen worshippers have been killed after some yet-to-be-identified gunmen invaded a mosque in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
It was gathered that the bandits upon invading the mosque rained bullets on the worshippers leading to the death of 13 of them.
Several others were also wounded in the attack which took place in the early hours of Tuesday, August 19.
In reaction to the attack, the Katsina State government has ordered the deployment of a team of security operatives to the area.
Sources said the bandits launched the attack on the Unguwan Mantau community in what is supposed to be a reprisal attack
Nasir Mu’azu, the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs said the victims were praying when the incident happened.
“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 and seized 3 motorcycles and 2 AK-47s,” Mu’azu said.
In addition, Mu’azu noted that the air component commander of the Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Police Force have already deployed operatives to clear those bandits.
He said that during the rainy season, these bandits hide under the crops within the farmlands to perpetrate their evil acts.
“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,” he stated.
He further extended the state government’s condolences to the families of those affected by the incident.