THE Katsina State Government has announced that the number of worshippers killed during Monday’s bandit attack on a mosque in Malumfashi Local Government Area has risen to 32.
A statement issued after a condolence visit by a government delegation led by Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, confirmed the revised figures.
The visit took place in Unguwar Mantau, where the victims were attacked during early morning prayers.
According to the statement, the actual number of kidnapped victims remains unclear as a Nigerian Air Force airstrike disrupted the bandits’ movement with captives.
“Some victims scattered in different directions, while others were rescued and are receiving medical care,” the government noted.
Governor Dikko Radda, who is currently on medical leave, immediately directed Acting Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe to send a delegation to console the grieving families and assess the situation.
Describing the killings as “deeply painful and heartbreaking,” Faskari assured residents that the administration would intensify efforts to restore peace and strengthen security.
The delegation, which included top security officials and government representatives, also promised immediate support for affected families while a full assessment of damages continues.
Meanwhile, youths in Malumfashi staged a protest yesterday, blocking the Malumfashi–Funtua highway in anger over the killings.
The demonstration caused heavy gridlock, leaving travellers stranded for hours before extending into the town.
Earlier, the police had reported 17 fatalities, with spokesman DSP Abubakar Sadiq confirming that 15 people were initially shot dead while two others later died in hospital.
However, Aminu Ibrahim, the lawmaker representing Malumfashi Constituency, told the State Assembly that at least 30 worshippers were killed, breaking down in tears as he decried worsening insecurity in his community.
The slain worshippers have since been buried in Malumfashi. The funeral prayer was attended by religious leaders, government officials, and security representatives.
Authorities say the attack was a reprisal by bandits after residents of Unguwar Mantau confronted them days earlier, killing several and recovering stolen weapons.
Katsina’s Commissioner for Internal Security, Nasiru Mu’azu, confirmed that security agencies are now stationed in the area to restore calm.