The death toll from Tuesday’s terror attack on worshippers at Unguwan Mantau community in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State has risen to 32.
The assailants, identified as bandits, stormed the community mosque at about 5 a.m. while residents were observing Fajr prayers, opening fire on worshippers in what officials described as a reprisal assault.
Earlier reports had put the number of fatalities at 13. However, during a condolence visit by a state government delegation on Wednesday, it was confirmed that 32 people lost their lives, while an unverified number of residents were abducted.
Some kidnapped victims were later rescued after a swift airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force disrupted the attackers’ movement. Others scattered in the ensuing confusion and are now receiving treatment in hospitals.
Governor Dikko Umar Radda, who is currently on medical leave, directed the acting Governor, Mallam Faruk Jobe, to dispatch a high-powered delegation to commiserate with the families of the deceased.
The team, led by Abdullahi Faskari, Secretary to the State Government, was received in Karfi town by traditional leaders and grieving relatives.
Describing the killings as “deeply painful and heartbreaking,” Faskari assured residents that the state government would intensify security operations to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“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 prevent such tragedies in the future,” he said.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, explained that the massacre was linked to a confrontation days earlier when residents of Ruwan Sanyi ambushed bandits, killed several, rescued kidnapped victims, and seized weapons and motorcycles.
“The reprisal occurred while the community was observing morning prayers. The criminals started shooting sporadically inside the mosque,” Mu’azu said.
He added that military and police reinforcements had been deployed, while aerial and ground operations were ongoing to track down the attackers.
Mu’azu noted that the bandits often take cover under crops during the rainy season to perpetrate attacks. He commended the courage of residents who resisted the criminals, describing their actions as gallantry.
“The government remains committed to community-based security initiatives and will continue to support victims’ families,” he said.
The condolence delegation also included Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, senior aides on community watch and victims of banditry, the Malumfashi lawmaker in the state House of Assembly, the council chairman, and heads of security agencies — including the 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 commitment to restoring peace and protecting lives across the state, noting that immediate support had been extended to the victims’ families while a comprehensive damage assessment was underway.
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