Gunmen opened fire during early morning prayers
Tragedy hit Katsina State on Tuesday morning as gunmen stormed a mosque in Unguwan Mantau village, Malumfashi LGA, killing 13 worshippers during Fajr (dawn) prayers.
The attackers reportedly entered the mosque around 5 a.m. and began shooting without warning, leaving worshippers with no chance to escape.
Attack believed to be retaliation
Katsina’s Commissioner for Internal Security, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed the attack and said it was likely a revenge strike. Days earlier, local villagers had ambushed a bandit group in the area, killing several and rescuing kidnapped victims.
“This appears to be a reprisal,” Mu’azu said. “The victims were in the middle of prayers when the criminals started shooting.”
Security forces deployed
The state government has since deployed military reinforcements — including the army, police, and air force — to stabilize the area and track down those responsible.
Mu’azu added that the ongoing rainy season is giving bandits an edge, as tall crops make it easier for them to move undetected.
Local resistance growing — but risky
While the government praised villagers for standing up to criminal gangs, it also warned that such efforts should be closely coordinated with security agencies to avoid more loss of life.
“We appreciate the bravery, but we need smarter coordination to avoid more tragedy,” said Mu’azu.
Katsina still under siege
Katsina — the home state of former President Muhammadu Buhari — remains a hotbed of armed violence. Bandit groups in the region have continued to carry out deadly raids, kidnappings, and extortion schemes, despite ongoing military efforts.
The state has pledged to increase protection for rural communities, especially farming areas vulnerable to surprise attacks.
