Daredevil bandits have killed 13 persons and wounded several others at Unguwan Mantau community, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning, happened when some of the residents were praying at a public mosque.
The armed bandits were said to have fired several shots into the mosque, thereby resulting in more than a dozen deaths and injury to several others.
It was learnt that the attack was a retaliatory one, as members of the community had laid ambush and killed several bandits that had tried to attack the community at the weekend.
During the said ambush, the community members were able to rescue hapless victims abducted from another community, seize two AK-47 rifles, and three motorcycles belonging to the hoodlums.
Following the Tuesday attack, additional security operatives, including military and paramilitary personnel, have been dispatched to the area to forestall eventualities.
The additional security deployment to the area was made known by the state government in a statement issued by the state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Muazu.
Muazu’s statement also confirmed the incident, even as he extended the government’s condolences to the families of the victims who lost their lives.
“The Katsina State Government today (Tuesday) announced immediate security reinforcements and support measures following a tragic incident in the Unguwan Mantau community, Malumfashi Local Government Area, where 13 residents lost their lives during morning prayers.
“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 the Fajr prayer when the criminal elements started shooting sporadically in the mosque.
“The attack was in retaliation for the community’s successful defense efforts two days earlier. The people of Unguwan Mantau decided to lay an ambush against the bandits and killed many of them.
“They rescued victims taken from Ruwan Sanyi village, seized three motorcycles, and two AK-47.
“The security agencies are now on the ground in Unguwan Mantau to restore normalcy.
“Air Component Commander of the Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Police Force have already deployed to clear those bandits because, during the rainy season, bandits hide under the crops to perpetrate their evil acts. We are working towards bringing the bandits to book.
“As Government, we salute the gallantry disposition of the people of Unguwan Mantau, and 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 unwavering support for community-based security initiatives while working to eliminate criminal elements from the region.”
