No fewer than 13 persons were killed in the early hours of Tuesday as some gunmen shot sporadically into a mosque in Katsina State.
The attack took place while worshippers were observing the early morning prayer.
The attack happened in the farming community of Unguwan Mantau, Malumfashi Local Government Area.
Officials say the assault was carried out in retaliation after villagers ambushed a bandit group days earlier, killing several gunmen, rescuing abducted victims, and seizing weapons.
READ ALSO: Katsina gov Radda escapes with minor injuries in road accident
Dr Nasir Mu’azu, Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, confirmed the toll, saying the worshippers were targeted during the dawn (Fajr) prayer.
“The victims were observing prayer when the criminals started shooting sporadically in the mosque,” he said.
He added that soldiers, police and air force units had been deployed to secure the area.
READ ALSO: Massive security presence in Katsina for Buhari’s burial
“During the rainy season, bandits hide under crops to perpetrate their evil acts. We are working towards bringing them to book,” he said.
The state government has praised residents for their “gallantry” in resisting armed groups but urged closer cooperation with security forces.
It has also promised reinforcements to protect vulnerable communities.
