KATSINA, NIGERIA – The death toll from an attack by bandits on worshippers at a mosque in Katsina State has risen to 32, according to the state government. The incident, which took place in the Malumfashi Local Government Area, has prompted a government delegation to visit the affected community.
The delegation, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, confirmed the revised death toll during its visit to the Unguwar Mantau community. The number of those kidnapped is still being verified, as a swift air interdiction by the Nigerian Air Force reportedly disrupted the bandits, causing confusion.
Youths Protest and Police Confirmation
The deadly attack has sparked protests from local youths, who barricaded a major highway linking Kano and Sokoto. The protesters were demonstrating against the killing of the worshippers and the worsening security in the area.
Meanwhile, the police have given a lower official death toll. A spokesman for the Katsina State Police Command, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed that 17 people had been killed, with two of those victims succumbing to their injuries in the hospital. However, the local lawmaker representing Malumfashi Constituency, Aminu Ibrahim, insisted that the death toll was 30 and lamented that his constituents were living in constant fear.
Reprisal Attack and Funeral
According to the Katsina Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, the attack was a reprisal by the bandits. The commissioner stated that the criminal elements were retaliating against the community, which had successfully defended itself and recovered weapons and stolen motorcycles just two days earlier.
The deceased worshippers have since been buried in Malumfashi town. The funeral prayers were attended by religious leaders, government officials, and security personnel.
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