Daredevil bandits have killed 13 people and injured several others in Unguwan Mantau Community, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning as residents were engaged in Fajr prayers at a public mosque. Witnesses reported that the armed assailants fired multiple shots inside the mosque, resulting in over a dozen fatalities and numerous injuries.
Investigations revealed that the attack was a retaliatory measure following a successful defense by community members against bandits over the weekend. During that earlier incident, residents laid an ambush that killed several bandits, rescued abducted victims from another community, and seized two AK-47 rifles along with three motorcycles belonging to the criminals.
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In response to Tuesday’s assault, additional security forces, including military and paramilitary personnel, have been deployed to the area to prevent further violence. The Katsina State Government, through the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Muazu, confirmed the attack and extended condolences to the families of those killed.
“The Katsina State Government today announced immediate security reinforcements and support measures following the tragic incident in Unguwan Mantau Community, where 13 residents lost their lives during morning prayers,” Dr. Muazu said.
He added, “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 Fajr prayer when the assailants opened fire sporadically.”
Dr. Muazu further noted, “The attack was in retaliation for the community’s successful defense efforts two days earlier, when they killed several bandits, rescued victims taken from Ruwan Sanyi Village, and seized three motorcycles along with two AK-47 rifles.”
He assured that security agencies are now on the ground in Unguwan Mantau to restore normalcy, explaining, “Air Component Commander of the Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Police Force have already deployed to clear the area of bandits, who tend to hide under crops during the rainy season to carry out their evil acts. We are working to bring them to justice.”
Concluding, Dr. Muazu commended the courage of the Unguwan Mantau residents, saying, “As government, we salute the gallantry of the people of Unguwan Mantau. 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 support for community-based security initiatives while working to eliminate criminal elements from the region.”
