13 Worshippers Killed in Katsina Mosque as Bandits Launch Reprisal Attack

13 Worshippers killed in Katsina Mosque as Bandits Launch Reprisal Attack

In yet another tragic episode of the relentless banditry plaguing Nigeria’s Northwest, 13 worshippers were gunned down during early morning prayers at a mosque in Unguwan Mantau, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The attack, which occurred during Fajr prayers on Tuesday, was described by authorities as a reprisal assault by armed bandits. According to Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, Katsina State’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, the assailants targeted the community in retaliation for a recent counteroffensive mounted by residents.

Just two days prior, locals had ambushed a group of bandits, reportedly killing several, rescuing abducted victims from Ruwan Sanyi village, and recovering three motorcycles and two AK-47 rifles. This act of defiance, though courageous, appears to have triggered the deadly reprisal.

“During the rainy season, these criminals exploit the cover of crops to launch surprise attacks,” Dr. Mu’azu noted, adding that security forces from the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base and the Nigerian Police have been deployed.

The commissioner commended the bravery of the Unguwan Mantau residents and as “We salute the gallantry of the people and reaffirm our commitment to protecting all communities across the state,” he said.

“The government of Katsina stands with the victims and their families. We will not relent until peace is fully restored.”sured them of the government’s full backing.o pursue the perpetrators.

“We salute the gallantry of the people and reaffirm our commitment to protecting all communities across the state,” he said.

“The government of Katsina stands with the victims and their families. We will not relent until peace is fully restored.”

This massacre underscores the escalating insecurity in the Northwest, where communities continue to suffer from frequent raids, kidnappings, and killings by heavily armed criminal groups. Despite military operations and local resistance, the cycle of violence persists, leaving many villages vulnerable and grief-stricken.

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