The dawn terror attack on the Unguwan Mantau community in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State has claimed 32 lives. Earlier reports had put the number of dead at 13, with an unverified number of abducted residents.
However, the numbers were confirmed during a condolence visit to the community by a state government delegation. The bandits stormed the community mosque at about 5 a.m. while residents were observing Fajr prayers.
Some of the kidnapped victims were later rescued following a swift air strike by the Nigerian Air Force. This disrupted the attackers’ movement, allowing some residents to scatter amid the chaos.
Following this, the state governor, Dikko Umar Radda, directed a high-powered delegation to commiserate with the families of the deceased. Led by Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, the team was received by traditional leaders and grieving relatives.
Read also:Katsina state police foils two kidnapping attempts, rescue 28 victims
The state secretary described the killings as “deeply painful and heartbreaking”. However, he assured the community that the state government would intensify security operations to bring the perpetrators to justice.
He reiterates the administration’s commitment to working with all security agencies and preventing such tragedies in the future. Also, Commissioner for Internal Security, Nasir Mu’azu, said the incident followed an earlier confrontation by the residents of Ruwan Sanyi village.
According to him, the residents ambushed bandits, killed several of them, rescued kidnapped victims, and seized weapons and motorcycles.
Mu’azu commended the courage of residents who resisted the criminals, describing their action as an act of bravery. He stressed the government’s commitment to supporting victims’ families and securing lives and properties in the state.
