Armed men attacked a mosque in north-western Nigeria’s Sokoto State during morning prayers on Sunday, killing one worshipper and abducting several others, local officials and residents said.

The assailants, wielding what witnesses described as sophisticated weapons, stormed Marnona village in Wurno Local Government Area at dawn, opening fire indiscriminately and sending worshippers fleeing in panic.

“They targeted innocent people in a sacred place — it is barbaric and cowardly,” said Isah Achida, the Sokoto State chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Achida said the state government was working with security agencies to tackle banditry, and urged residents to remain united. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Security sources said the attackers may have come from forest camps straddling Sokoto and neighbouring Zamfara State — areas known to shelter armed groups.

Police spokesperson DSP Ahmed Rufai said an investigation was under way and promised a full statement soon.

The attack is the latest in a series of raids, kidnappings and killings in Sokoto East, where communities have repeatedly called for increased military presence.

Tensions remain high in Marnona and nearby villages, with security patrols stepped up and local vigilantes joining forces with police to guard against further assaults.