Gunmen killed 13 people on Tuesday during an attack on a mosque in Unguwan Mantau, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State. The incident happened in the early hours while residents were observing the Fajr (dawn) prayer.
Confirming the attack, the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Muazu, said the assault was a reprisal. According to him, residents had earlier ambushed and killed several bandits, which prompted the retaliation.
“The attackers stormed the mosque during prayer and opened fire indiscriminately,” Muazu explained.
He added that security agencies, including the Nigerian Army and Police, had been deployed to restore calm and pursue the perpetrators. The commissioner noted that criminals often use farmlands as cover during the rainy season to launch such assaults, but assured that government forces are working to bring them to justice.
Dr. Muazu praised the courage of the community while expressing condolences to the bereaved families. He stressed that the state government will continue to support local security efforts and intensify its fight against banditry.
