Katsina Mosque Attack: Death Toll Rises to 32

The death toll from the early morning terrorist attack on a mosque in Unguwan Mantau, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, has climbed to 32.

The assailants, identified as armed bandits, stormed the mosque around 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday while worshippers were observing the Fajr (dawn) prayers. According to state officials, the attack was a reprisal following a recent confrontation between local vigilantes and the bandits in nearby Ruwan Sanyi village.

Initial reports had placed the number of fatalities at 13, but during a condolence visit by a state government delegation on Wednesday, it was confirmed that 32 people had been killed. An unspecified number of residents were also abducted during the attack.

Some of the abducted victims have since been rescued after a swift aerial operation by the Nigerian Air Force, which disrupted the bandits’ movements. Others who escaped amid the chaos 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-level delegation to the affected community. The delegation, led by Secretary to the State Government Abdullahi Faskari, met with traditional leaders and bereaved families in Karfi town.

Describing the attack as “heartbreaking and senseless,” Faskari assured residents that intensified security operations were underway to bring the perpetrators to justice. “This administration remains committed to working closely with all security agencies to ensure this kind of tragedy never repeats,” he stated.

Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, revealed that the attack was triggered by a prior clash in which local residents killed several bandits, rescued kidnapped victims, and seized weapons and motorcycles. The mosque was targeted in retaliation.

“The criminals opened fire indiscriminately on innocent worshippers. It was a cold-blooded act of terror,” Mu’azu said.

He noted that military and police reinforcements had been deployed to the area, with both aerial and ground operations ongoing to track down the assailants. “During the rainy season, these criminals often hide under tall crops. We’re working to clear out these hideouts,” he added.

Mu’azu commended the courage of community members who stood up to the bandits, calling their resistance an act of bravery. He reiterated the state’s commitment to community-based security efforts and continued support for victims’ families.

The government’s condolence delegation included senior aides on community security, the Malumfashi representative in the State House of Assembly, the council chairman, and heads of security agencies, including the state 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 resolve to restore peace across the state. Immediate humanitarian assistance has been extended to affected families, and a full-scale damage assessment is ongoing.