Bandits attacked a mosque in Unguwan Mantau, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing 13 worshippers during early morning (Fajr) prayers.
Armed with sophisticated weapons, the assailants stormed the mosque and opened fire on worshippers in what officials described as a reprisal attack.
State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Mu’azu, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday. He explained that the attack followed the community’s successful ambush against bandits two days earlier, in which residents killed several assailants, rescued kidnapped victims, and seized motorcycles and AK-47 rifles.
Dr Mu’azu said security agencies had been deployed to restore calm. He noted that operatives from the Nigerian Army, Air Force and Police were already on the ground to pursue the attackers, who often exploit crop cover during the rainy season to launch assaults.
“The government commends the bravery of Unguwan Mantau residents and remains committed to eliminating criminal elements from the region,” he said.
The Katsina State Government also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and pledged continued support for community security initiatives.