KATSINA — A mosque in the Gidan Mantau community of Katsina State was attacked by armed men in the early hours of Tuesday, resulting in the death of at least 13 worshippers. Survivors told local media they were attacked while observing their morning Subhi prayers.
The state government, through its commissioner for internal security, Dr. Nasir Muazu, confirmed the incident, stating it was a retaliatory attack. According to Muazu, the community had recently defended themselves against an earlier bandit raid, killing several of the attackers and seizing their weapons. The state government has deployed security forces to the area and expressed condolences to the victims’ families.
This attack comes just a day after Governor Dikko Radda began a medical leave and follows a similar assault on a mosque in Yargoje village 18 months ago. Following the incident, the acting Governor of Katsina State, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide immediate security support to protect the state’s citizens. In the aftermath, frustrated residents of Malumfashi, the local government headquarters, took to the streets to protest and demand federal intervention.
Security experts have attributed the rising insecurity to issues like porous borders and a breakdown of local governance. They argue that peace deals with bandits are counterproductive and called for a more comprehensive approach to security that involves strengthening local communities and addressing underlying issues.