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They Were Praying When Bullets Rained”: Katsina Mosque Massacre Leaves 32 Dead

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4 months ago

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They Were Praying When Bullets Rained”: Katsina Mosque Massacre Leaves 32 Dead

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, what should have been a moment of peace and devotion turned into a scene of horror. Worshippers at a mosque in Unguwan Mantau community, Malumfashi Local Government, Katsina State, were gunned down by armed bandits during Fajr (dawn) prayers.

The attack, described as a reprisal assault, has now claimed 32 lives — making it one of the deadliest single incidents of bandit violence in recent months.

How the Attack Unfolded

According to officials, the assailants stormed the mosque around 5 a.m., firing indiscriminately at worshippers. Initial reports estimated 13 deaths, but a state government delegation later confirmed that 32 people were killed and several others abducted.

The Nigerian Air Force launched a swift air strike that disrupted the attackers’ movement, allowing some kidnapped victims to escape. Survivors are currently receiving treatment in hospitals.

Why the Community Was Targeted

Security sources revealed that the massacre followed a confrontation days earlier. In Ruwan Sanyi village, residents had ambushed bandits, killed several, rescued abducted victims, and seized weapons and motorcycles.

The mosque attack appears to have been a bloody retaliation. Katsina Commissioner for Internal Security, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed that the gunmen “started shooting sporadically inside the mosque” in revenge.

Government Response: Promises and Reinforcements

Governor Dikko Umar Radda, though on medical leave, directed Acting Governor Faruk Jobe to send a high-powered delegation led by the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, to commiserate with families.

Faskari called the killings “deeply painful and heartbreaking,” assuring residents that security operations would be intensified to track down the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, military and police reinforcements, including aerial surveillance, have been deployed to pursue the attackers.

The Bigger Picture: Banditry and Rising Insecurity in Northern Nigeria

This attack underscores a grim reality: banditry remains one of Nigeria’s gravest security challenges. Rural communities in states like Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Sokoto have endured repeated assaults — often while farming, trading, or, as in this case, praying.

The tactics are chillingly familiar:

  • Night and dawn raids on villages and mosques

  • Mass abductions for ransom

  • Targeted reprisals when residents resist

Experts warn that these attacks are eroding trust in government security promises and creating cycles of violence where communities feel compelled to take justice into their own hands.

The Human Cost: Grief Beyond Numbers

Behind every casualty figure are shattered families. Grieving relatives in Karfi town, where the government delegation was received, wept as traditional leaders prayed for the dead.

“The criminals took our loved ones while they were worshipping Allah. It is painful beyond words,” one resident told journalists.

For many in Katsina, this attack is not just a statistic — it is a stark reminder that even sacred spaces are no longer safe.

Conclusion: Can Nigeria Break the Cycle?

The Katsina mosque massacre is yet another wake-up call for Nigeria’s leaders. Beyond promises and condolence visits, what Nigerians crave is tangible security — the ability to farm, pray, and live without fear of bandits.

Until decisive action disrupts the networks that fund, arm, and shield these groups, rural communities may continue to pay the heaviest price.

For now, the people of Katsina are left to bury their dead and pray that justice will come swiftly.

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Crime

Fresh Wave Of Insecurity: Pregnant Woman And Several Residents Abducted In Niger And FCT

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3 weeks ago

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November 28, 2025

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Fresh Wave Of Insecurity: Pregnant Woman And Several Residents Abducted In Niger And FCT

Nigeria continues to face serious security challenges as multiple communities in Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) experienced coordinated attacks this week. These incidents come just days after the abduction of students from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State……CONTINUE READING

New Abduction in Niger State

Residents of Palaita community in Erena Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area were thrown into distress on Wednesday when armed groups invaded a rice farm and abducted several workers, including a pregnant woman. Community sources estimated the number of kidnapped victims to be around 24, while the Niger State Police Command confirmed 10 abductions as investigations continue.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred around 2:00 p.m. while farmers were busy harvesting their crops. Despite the community’s close proximity to a military base in Erena, the attackers escaped before security personnel arrived.

In a separate incident in Kakuru community, also in Erena Ward, residents reported that a visually impaired man was assaulted after refusing to hand over a mobile phone. The victim was given first aid, though his current condition remains unclear.

Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the attacks, assuring that security agencies are actively working to rescue the victims and restore calm in the affected areas.

Fresh Abductions in the FCT

In Abuja, communities in the Bwari Area Council faced renewed tension following another night attack in Gidan-Bijimi, a settlement near the Kaduna boundary. Six young women and a 16-year-old boy were taken during the raid, according to residents.

The attack, which occurred around 9:47 p.m. on Wednesday, created panic among locals already concerned by previous incidents in the region. Local vigilance groups attempted to intervene but retreated due to limited resources.

As of Thursday morning, families reported that no contact had been made with the attackers, while police were still verifying the details.

Church Confirms Passing of Kaduna Cleric

The Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, has announced the death of Venerable Edwin Achi, who was abducted in October along with his wife and daughter. His passing was described as a deep loss to the Diocese and the wider Christian community. The Church also announced the cancellation of the upcoming “Stand Up for Jesus 2025” event in his honour.

The Diocese assured that prayers continue for the safe return of his wife and daughter.

Federal Government Responds to Rising Insecurity

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, reaffirmed that the Nigerian military is intensifying efforts to eliminate criminal networks responsible for attacks across the country. He explained that intermittent assaults are typical of guerrilla-style tactics but insisted that security forces are “working day and night” to restore normalcy.

He further confirmed that the Federal Government has launched a full investigation into recent school abductions, including claims that security personnel were withdrawn prior to an incident in Kebbi State.

Police Redeploy Over 11,000 Personnel

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed that 11,566 police officers previously assigned to VIP protection have now been deployed to underserved communities to strengthen grassroots security.

He stated that the initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at improving community policing and ensuring fair distribution of manpower nationwide.

Cardinal Onaiyekan Calls for Better Equipment, Not More Personnel

Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan called on the Federal Government to prioritize properly equipping the officers already serving across the country rather than recruiting additional personnel. The Cardinal emphasized the need for immediate action, stressing that adequately supported police officers are capable of confronting insecurity.

Experts and Community Leaders Advocate Unity

Former Senator Shehu Sani and humanitarian organizations participating in the 9th International Conference on Love and Tolerance urged Nigerians to embrace unity, understanding, and dialogue. They highlighted the importance of addressing root causes of conflict, promoting peaceful coexistence, and supporting security agencies with the resources they need to protect communities.

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Crime

Dalung Breaks Silence: TikTok Chat With Bandit Exposes Deep Secrets Behind The Violence

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3 weeks ago

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November 28, 2025

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Dalung Breaks Silence: TikTok Chat With Bandit Exposes Deep Secrets Behind The Violence

Former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, has opened up about a surprising and thought-provoking conversation he once had with a young man who claimed to be living in the bush as a bandit. Dalung shared the experience during an interview with News Central, explaining how the encounter gave him a deeper understanding of the issues fueling insecurity……CONTINUE READING

According to Dalung, he was browsing TikTok when he came across the young man, who openly described himself as someone living in the forest due to ongoing conflict. Curious, Dalung asked why they engaged in violent activities. The young man responded that they had suffered losses themselves and felt targeted by vigilante groups who, according to him, harmed their people and took their cattle. This, he said, pushed them into retaliation and led them deeper into the bush.

Dalung explained that he challenged the young man, pointing out that innocent people—including other Fulani individuals—were being harmed in the process. The young man replied that, from their viewpoint, only those living in the bush were considered part of their community, while anyone living in town was seen differently. It was a response that, according to Dalung, revealed how distorted perceptions can worsen the cycle of conflict.

Wanting to know if there was any path toward peace, Dalung asked what could help end the violence. The young man shared that they were open to negotiation and discussions that could encourage them to give up their weapons and reintegrate into society. Dalung noted that the confidence with which the young man spoke was unsettling, but it also showed that dialogue could be part of the solution.

Reflecting on the experience, Dalung urged the National Assembly to consider constitutional changes that would allow Nigerians the legal right to defend themselves responsibly, especially in areas affected by insecurity.

His conversation serves as a reminder of how complex the nation’s security challenges are—and how personal engagement, understanding, and strategic dialogue may help chart a way forward.

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Crime

BREAKING: EFCC Drags Ex-Justice Minister Malami—What He Said Will Shock You

Published

3 weeks ago

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November 28, 2025

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BREAKING: EFCC Drags Ex-Justice Minister Malami—What He Said Will Shock You

Nigeria’s former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has confirmed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially summoned him—sending shockwaves across the nation’s political landscape…….CONTINUE READING

Malami, who served from 2015 to 2023 under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, broke the news himself in a bold announcement on his social media page, declaring that he is ready to face investigators head-on.

The once-powerful justice minister, known for steering some of the country’s most controversial legal battles—from massive asset recovery operations to heated anti-corruption reforms—now finds himself at the centre of a fresh probe.
Throughout his tenure, Malami was linked to numerous high-stakes decisions, arbitration wars, and sensitive financial crime cases that kept him in the public eye.

In recent years, however, scrutiny tightened around issues such as asset declarations and management of recovered funds—allegations he has firmly and repeatedly rejected.

For now, the EFCC remains tight-lipped, refusing to disclose what exactly Malami is being called in for, leaving the public buzzing with speculation.

In a confident statement on Facebook, Malami wrote:

“This is to confirm that I have been invited by the EFCC.
As a law-abiding and patriotic citizen, I reaffirm my commitment to honour the invitation.
I understand the spirit of accountability and transparency in public service—principles I have always advocated.
I am committed to sharing developments with the Nigerian public as they unfold.”

With Malami’s pledge to keep Nigerians updated, all eyes are now fixed on the unfolding drama—a saga that promises to shake up the nation’s justice and political corridors once again.

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