The Katsina State Government has condemned the bandits who attacked and killed worshippers in a mosque at Unguwan Mantau, Malumfashi Local Government Area, describing them as cowards.

The Acting Governor, Alhaji Faruq Lawal-Jobe, stated this on Saturday in Katsina while inaugurating eight new Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) procured by the state to strengthen the fight against banditry.

He described the incident as sad and most unfortunate.

Speaking at the event, the acting governor vowed that the state would not be deterred by the attack.

“So, the battle is not over until it is won. And, therefore, we will not relent, we will not be distracted by the cowardly attitude of the bandits, because they are cowards.

“Instead of confronting the people, they decided to attack them very early in the morning when they were performing their obligatory duties,” he said.

Lawal-Jobe praised the courage of residents, noting that the attackers had previously tried to invade the community but met resistance.

“The bandits made several attempts to enter the village, and they made resistance, that is why the bandits resolved to do what they did,” he added.

The acting governor highlighted the government’s continued investment in security assets, pointing out that four of the eight frontline local governments, Jibia, Batsari, Kankara, and Danmusa, had recorded significant improvements.

“We have invested so much in terms of security assets. We have also succeeded at least in securing four of the eight frontline local governments,” he said.

Lawal-Jobe further disclosed that the state government had sought the intervention of the Federal Government to complement ongoing efforts against banditry.