Katsina mosque terror attack death toll hits 32

CDS Musa

The death toll from Tuesday’s dawn 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.

They opened fire on the worshippers in what officials described as a reprisal assault.

Earlier reports had put the number of dead at 13. However, during a condolence visit to the community on Wednesday by a state government delegation, it was confirmed that 32 people had lost their lives, while an unverified number of residents were abducted.

Some of the kidnapped victims were later rescued following a swift air strike by the Nigerian Air Force, which 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 Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, was received in Karfi town by traditional leaders and grieving relatives. Punch