The Katsina State Government has confirmed that the death toll from the recent attack by bandits on worshippers at a mosque in the Malumfashi Local Government Area has risen to 32.
The government disclosed this in a statement following a visit by a delegation led by the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, to the Unguwar Mantau community.
The statement confirmed that 32 people were killed while observing prayers, with the number of those kidnapped still being verified.
A swift air interdiction by the Nigerian Air Force disrupted the bandits while they were moving with captives, leading to some victims scattering in different directions and others being rescued.
The delegation, led by Faskari, visited the community to commiserate with the bereaved families and assure them of the government’s commitment to strengthening security and restoring lasting peace.
“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 ensure justice is served and to prevent such tragedies in the future,” Faskari said.
Angry youths in the community took to the Malumfashi–Funtua highway to protest the killing of the worshippers, causing a gridlock and stranding motorists and commuters.
The police had earlier confirmed 17 deaths, but the lawmaker representing Malumfashi Constituency claimed that 30 worshippers were killed during the attack.
The Katsina State Government has assured the community that it would not relent in its efforts to strengthen security and restore lasting peace.
The deceased were buried in Malumfashi town, with a funeral prayer attended by religious and traditional leaders, community leaders, and government and security officials.
