The death toll from the bandits’ inhuman attack on worshippers at a mosque in Malumfashi LGA of Katsina has risen to 50, with more victims confirmed dead during the merciless attack, and about 60 believed to be abducted.
On Tuesday morning, gunmen attacked worshippers observing morning (Fajr) prayer in a mosque located at the Unguwan Mantau community, killing several people.
The barbaric attack was believed to be a reprisal after residents reportedly ambushed and lynched some bandits two days earlier.
A lawmaker representing Malumfashi Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Ibrahim, confirmed on on Wednesday that 30 worshippers were shot dead and another 20 burned alive during the morning attack.
‘’Thirty people were killed while praying. We discovered another 20 burned. Our people can not live like this. Ibrahim told his colleagues (legislatures) during the plenary session of the Katsina State House of Assembly.
He also added that 60 people have been kidnapped.
According to Channels TV, Abdullahi Faskari, secretary to the state government (SSG), described the attack as a “deeply painful and heartbreaking tragedy”.
Faskari, who led a delegation to the village head of Karfi town and relatives of the deceased, assured residents that immediate support had been extended to victims’ families, while a comprehensive assessment of damages and needs is ongoing.
He, however, said Dikko Radda, the Katsina State Governor, who is currently on medical leave, consulted with Faruk Lawal Jobe, the acting governor, on the need to dispatch a high-powered delegation to commiserate with the bereaved families.
“During the condolence visit, it was confirmed that 32 people were killed while observing prayers,” Faskari said
“The number of those kidnapped is still being verified, as a swift air interdiction by the Nigerian Air Force disrupted the bandits while they were moving with captives
“In the ensuing confusion, some victims scattered in different directions, while others were rescued and are now receiving treatment in hospitals
“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 ensure justice is served and to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
There was a demonstration earlier staged on Tuesday by angry youths and residents of Ungwan Muntau. The protesters, in their hundreds, blocked the busy Malumfashi – Funtua highway, a major route linking Kano to Funtua, Gusau, and Sokoto, leaving motorists and commuters stranded for hours. It was also reported that the demonstration extended to some part of Malumfashi, and the road was blocked for a few hours, but the situation was brought under control.
