Gunmen suspected to be terror bandits on Tuesday, killed 13 worshippers during a morning prayer in a mosque in Katsina State. It was gathered that the armed criminals stormed the mosque in Unguwan Mantau community, Malumfashi LGA and massacred the worshippers.The assailants, who struck during the Fajr (Subhi) prayers, opened fire on the congregation.What should have been a sacred moment of devotion quickly turned into chaos and bloodshed.Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, who confirmed the incident, described the attack as a reprisal strike by criminal gangs.He explained that the violence followed an earlier confrontation between the assailants and local residents.“Two days ago, the people of Unguwan Mantau laid an ambush against the bandits, killed many of them, rescued abducted victims from Ruwan Sanyi village, and recovered three motorcycles and two AK-47 rifles,” Mu’azu said.He explained that the bandits, angered by their losses, returned to unleash violence on unarmed civilians gathered for prayers.The commissioner informed that security forces, including the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base and the Nigerian Police, were deployed to the area to track down the perpetrators.“During the rainy season, these bandits often hide under crops to launch attacks, but we are determined to bring them to justice,” he added.Mu’azu condemned the killings, and commended the courage and bravery of the local community in standing up to the attackers.“We salute the gallantry of the people of Unguwan Mantau and reaffirm our commitment to protecting all communities across the state,” he said.The commissioner also extended the state government’s condolences to the bereaved families.“The government of Katsina State stands with the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time. We will not relent until peace is fully restored.”Meanwhile, residents fear more reprisals as communities increasingly resist bandit attacks, raising concerns over escalating violence despite ongoing military operations in the region.
