The people of Unguwan Mantau, a farming community in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, were thrown into deep mourning on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, after armed bandits launched a deadly attack on a mosque, killing no fewer than 13 worshippers.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of the day while faithful had gathered for the Fajr (dawn) prayers.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the attackers stormed the mosque without warning and immediately opened fire on the worshippers, leaving several people dead on the spot and others seriously injured.
Speaking to journalists in Katsina, the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed the incident and explained that the invasion was a reprisal attack.
According to him, the bandits had suffered heavy casualties just two days earlier when local vigilantes and community members of Unguwan Mantau launched a counter-offensive ambush against them.
During that earlier encounter, villagers reportedly killed several bandits, rescued abducted victims who had been taken from Ruwan Sanyi village, and seized valuable items from the criminals, including three motorcycles and two AK-47 rifles.
“The Muslim community members were observing their early morning prayers when the bandits stormed the mosque and started shooting indiscriminately.
“This was a clear act of retaliation for the villagers’ earlier defensive action. Unfortunately, it has now led to the loss of innocent lives.”
The commissioner disclosed that the Katsina State Government immediately ordered security reinforcements to restore peace and prevent further attacks.
He said the Nigerian Army, the Air Component Commander of the Forward Operating Base, and operatives of the Nigerian Police Force had already been deployed to comb the area and pursue the assailants.
He explained that surveillance operations have intensified because during the rainy season, criminal gangs often hide under thick farm crops to evade detection and launch surprise attacks on rural communities.
Dr. Mu’azu emphasised that government forces were determined to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice, noting that measures were also underway to strengthen intelligence gathering, community policing, and rapid response capacity in vulnerable villages across the state.
While condemning the killings, the commissioner praised the bravery and resilience of Unguwan Mantau residents, who had earlier risked their lives to confront and overpower the heavily armed bandits.
“As a government, we salute the courage of our people. Despite the dangers, they stood up to defend their community and even succeeded in rescuing kidnapped victims.
“Their gallantry will not go unnoticed. We remain committed to supporting local communities and ensuring that such sacrifices do not go in vain,” he said.
On behalf of the Katsina State Government, Dr. Mu’azu extended deep condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Unguwan Mantau community.
He assured them of continued government support and pledged that the tragedy would strengthen, rather than weaken, the resolve to fight insecurity in the region.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to community-based security initiatives while working tirelessly to eliminate criminal elements from Katsina and beyond. Our hearts go out to the families of those who lost their lives. May their souls rest in peace,” he added.
Like several states in Nigeria’s North-West, Katsina State has grappled with the menace of armed banditry for years.
Communities in rural areas frequently face raids, kidnappings, and killings, forcing thousands to abandon their homes and farms.
Unguwan Mantau’s recent attack highlights the growing cycle of violence, where communities that resist or repel bandits often become immediate targets of bloody reprisals.
Analysts believe that these retaliatory attacks will continue to threaten peace in the region unless a stronger security architecture is implemented.