The Katsina State Government has deployed additional security forces after bandits killed 13 worshippers during an early morning prayer at a mosque in Malumfashi Local Government Area on Tuesday.
The Punch gathered that the gunmen, said to be on a reprisal mission, stormed Unguwan Mantau community and opened fire on worshippers, leaving 13 people dead.
Confirming the incident, the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, said government had moved swiftly to reinforce security and provide support to the community.
According to him, “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 elements started shooting sporadically in the mosque.”
He explained that the attack was in retaliation for the community’s earlier resistance. “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 three motorcycles and two AK-47s.”
Dr. Mu’azu added that security agencies were already on ground to restore calm. “The Air Component Commander of the Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Police Force have already deployed to clear those bandits because during the rainy season, bandits hide under the crops to perpetrate their evil acts. We are working towards bringing the bandits to book.”
He commended the community’s bravery and reassured residents of government’s support. “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.
The State Government extends heartfelt condolences to the families affected and reaffirms its unwavering support for community-based security initiatives while working to eliminate criminal elements from the region.”
