Death Toll from Katsina Mosque Attack Rises to 17

Police in Katsina State say the death toll from a mosque attack in Malumfashi Local Government Area has risen to 17. The Police Command spokesman, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed that 15 people were shot dead at the scene, while two of the seven wounded later died in hospital.

However, the lawmaker representing Malumfashi Constituency, Aminu Ibrahim, told the State Assembly that as many as 30 worshippers were killed during the dawn prayers at Unguwar Mantau. He warned of worsening insecurity in his constituency, citing multiple attacks on nearby villages, including Gidan Adamu Mantau, Unguwar Yar Mai Dabo, and Makera.

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The Katsina Commissioner for Internal Security, Nasiru Mu’azu, described the incident as a reprisal attack. He said residents had earlier confronted the gunmen, killing several of them, rescuing kidnap victims, and seizing weapons and motorcycles. The commissioner confirmed that security forces had been deployed to the area to restore order.

Funeral prayers for the victims were held in Malumfashi town, attended by religious leaders, traditional rulers, community members, and government officials.