Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has condemned the brutal attack on a mosque in Mantau Village, Malumfashi Local Government Area, where 32 people were killed during prayers by suspected bandits.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday last week, left the village in mourning and prompted an immediate response from the state government. The governor visited the affected community on Wednesday to commiserate with the victims and assess the scale of devastation firsthand.
Describing the scene as “heartbreaking,” Governor Radda said he met grieving families, orphans, and charred remains of homes destroyed by the attackers. He assured the villagers that the state government would address their needs and offer the necessary support to rebuild their lives.
“What I saw was heartbreaking, orphans, burnt houses, and families in distress,” Radda said while addressing journalists. “We asked them what they need, and I assured them the government will attend to those challenges one by one.”
To provide immediate relief, the governor announced a financial support package of ₦500,000 for each affected household.
According to the Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, the attack was reportedly a reprisal by bandits following an earlier incident where villagers resisted an attack, killing seven of the assailants and seizing their weapons.
Governor Radda revealed that 32 people were confirmed dead,20 inside the mosque and 12 outside, while 76 villagerswere kidnapped during the raid. However, swift intervention by the Nigerian Air Force led to the rescue of the abducted residents the following day.
The attackers also razed 20 houses in the community during the operation.
In response to the tragedy, Radda ordered the Ministry of Works to begin immediate assessment of the access road to Mantau Village, with a view to improving infrastructure. He also directed plans for the construction of a new school and hospitalin the community, as part of broader recovery and development efforts.
Additional promises made by the governor include the reconstruction of the mosque, renovation of damaged homes, and continued assistance to bereaved families. He emphasized that his administration remains committed to the protection of lives and property.
“We will continue to protect lives and property. Security is about humanity, not politics. With the support of our people, In Sha Allah, we will overcome,” he stated.
Governor Radda also urged residents to remain united and vigilant, stressing that community cooperation is vital in the fight against insecurity. He reiterated the need for collective efforts to confront the ongoing security challenges in Katsina and across the North.
The mosque attack is the latest in a string of violent incidents attributed to banditry in the region. While security forces continue to carry out operations, communities remain vulnerable to reprisal attacks and kidnappings, which have claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands in recent years.
