The death toll from Tuesday’s dawn terror attack on worshippers at Unguwan Mantau community in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State has climbed to 32.
The attackers, identified as bandits, stormed the community mosque around 5 a.m. while residents were observing Fajr prayers, opening fire in what officials described as a reprisal attack.
Initial reports placed the death toll at 13. However, during a condolence visit on Wednesday by a state government delegation, it was confirmed that 32 people had been killed, while an unverified number of residents were abducted.
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Some of the kidnapped victims were later freed after a swift Nigerian Air Force airstrike disrupted the attackers’ movement. Others escaped amid the chaos and are currently receiving treatment in hospitals.
Governor Dikko Umar Radda, who is on medical leave, directed Acting Governor Mallam Faruk Jobe to send a high-powered delegation to condole with the families of the victims.
The team, led by Secretary to the State Government Abdullahi Faskari, was received in Karfi town by traditional leaders and grieving relatives.
Faskari described the killings as “deeply painful and heartbreaking,” assuring the community that the government would intensify security operations to ensure justice.
“Our hearts are with the families who lost their loved ones in this senseless attack. This administration remains committed to working with all security agencies to prevent such tragedies in the future,” he said.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, linked the incident to an earlier confrontation in Ruwan Sanyi village, where residents ambushed bandits, killed several, rescued kidnapped victims, and seized weapons and motorcycles.
“The reprisal occurred while the community was observing morning prayers. The criminals started shooting sporadically inside the mosque,” Mu’azu explained.
He noted that security reinforcements had been deployed, with both aerial and ground operations ongoing to track the attackers.
“The bandits often hide under crops during the rainy season to commit their evil acts. We are working with security agencies to flush them out,” the commissioner added.
Mu’azu praised the bravery of residents who resisted the bandits, calling it an act of gallantry. He stressed that the state government remained committed to community-based security efforts and continued support for victims’ families.
The condolence delegation also included Dr. Nasir Mu’azu; senior aides on community watch and victims of banditry; the Malumfashi lawmaker in the State House of Assembly; the council chairman; and heads of security agencies, including the Police Commissioner, the Commander of the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the DSS Director, and the NSCDC Commandant.
The Katsina State Government reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace and protecting lives, confirming that immediate relief had been provided to victims’ families while a full damage assessment was underway.
THE WITNESS
