Katsina Mosque Terror Attack Death Toll Rises To 32

The number of people killed in Tuesday’s dawn attack on worshippers in Unguwan Mantau community, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, has climbed to 32.

Armed bandits stormed the community mosque around 5 a.m. while residents were observing Fajr prayers and opened fire on worshippers in what officials described as a reprisal attack.

Initial reports had put the death toll at 13, but a state government delegation that visited the community on Wednesday confirmed that 32 people lost their lives. An unverified number of residents were also abducted during the assault.

Some of the kidnapped victims were later freed after a Nigerian Air Force air strike disrupted the attackers. Others fled in the confusion and are now receiving treatment in hospitals.

Governor Dikko Umar Radda, who is currently on medical leave, directed the acting governor, Mallam Faruk Jobe, to send a high-level delegation to condole with the bereaved families.

The team, led by Secretary to the State Government Abdullahi Faskari, met traditional rulers and grieving relatives in Karfi town.

Describing the incident as “deeply painful and heartbreaking,” Faskari assured residents that the state government would intensify security operations to ensure the perpetrators face 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, explained that the attack followed a confrontation days earlier, when residents of Ruwan Sanyi village ambushed bandits, killed several of them, rescued abductees, 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 said.

He added that troops and police reinforcements had since been deployed, with both aerial and ground operations launched to pursue 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,” he added.

Mu’azu also praised the courage of residents who resisted the criminals, describing their action as gallant. He stressed that the government would continue to support community-based security initiatives and provide help to victims’ families.

The condolence team also included senior aides on community security, 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 state government reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace and protecting lives, noting that immediate relief had been provided to victims’ families while a wider damage assessment was ongoing.